It is the former home to the RIT Tigers ice hockey teams and the Genesee Figure Skating Club.

Figure Skating, was a generous benefactor of RIT, and he ensured that the ice rink on the new campus was named for his grandfather.

In 2009, USCHO.com national columnist Dave Starman wrote that the Ritter was "A Great Atmosphere More Should Experience", explaining: "Between the pep band, the small size of the arena (2,100), and perhaps the best public address announcer in college hockey, the RIT Tigers have created a buzz on campus that more people should see on a national broadcast.

"[8] In 2011, Rochester Institute of Technology began raising funds for the Gene Polisseni Center, which became the eventual replacement home to the varsity hockey programs in 2014.

[11] These renovations were included as part of construction of the new Student Hall for Exploration and Development ("SHED") building attached to the library, which lasted throughout the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.