Hartmeyer Ice Arena was constructed by Fenton Kelsey, Jr., a Madison business owner and avid hockey supporter.

While legendary coach Bob Johnson led the team through his first season at the helm, construction neared completion on the Dane County Coliseum, which featured a multi-purpose design capable of hosting hockey and a capacity almost three times that of the Hartmeyer.

With an older surface that did not fare well in warmer months and competition from newer facilities, the arena became a financial strain to the city.

To facilitate the games, the ice was removed from the arena surface and the Wolfpack's turf, recycled from the Pensacola Barracudas, was laid.

[9] Among CIFL facilities, Hartmeyer quickly developed a reputation as a very unwelcoming building for opponents due to its age, loud environment and low ceiling, which frequently obstructed kicks and passes.

[10] In 2013, the North American 3 Hockey League approved the relocation of the Quad City Jr. Flames from Davenport, Iowa to Madison.