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Guest Pass: Woodbury's Bielenberg Sports Center

WOODBURY, Minn. (WCCO) -- It's news to no one that in Minnesota, it gets cold in the winter. So a lot of communities have built inflatable sports bubbles so students athletes can get in off-season practice.

But, Woodbury just ditched it's dome for a gorgeous new sports complex that's not just for kids. This week, our Guest Pass is to Bielenberg Sports Center in Woodbury.

"I think a lot of people have their eyes open pretty big when they come in here," said Dave Black, the facilities manager for the Bielenberg Sports Center.

This space, which could pass for the Vikings practice facility, will have that effect.

"We have 90,000 square feet under a permanent roof here at Bielenberg Sports Center," Black said.

The field house, along with a new lobby, were part of a $22 million addition that opened in August.

"You can come here any time of the day. They line up at the doors, quite frankly, at 6 a.m. coming into walk," said Bob Klatt, the parks and recreation director for Woodbury.

In addition to walkers, the field house hosts soccer, lacrosse and even batting cages, which drop down from the ceiling.

And just a few weeks ago, they added an outdoor oval to go with their two indoor rinks.

"You come in here in the evening, you'll see families, couples, seniors skating," Klatt said.

The outdoor ice is for pleasure skating only. Which is bad news for me, because a hockey stick would go a long way in steadying myself.

There's also an outdoor fire pit to stay warm when you come off the ice.

"We hit quite a few sports within the town here and at this time of year with kids getting ready to be on holiday break, we'll be busy," Black said.

And they're not done adding to the Bielenberg Sports Center. They're raising money for a universally accessible outdoor playground that'll start construction next year.

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