UST to appeal ruling over sports arena environmental review

University of St. Thomas leaders on Tuesday announced they'll appeal a recent court ruling that an environmental review of their planned sports arena was insufficient, with UST leaders stating construction on the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena will now continue "as permitted by law."

Minnesota Court of Appeals last week ruled the environmental review didn't go far enough in answering questions about the environmental impacts and potential mitigation measures related to the 5,500-capacity arena .

The appellate court decision came after Advocates for Responsible Development (ARD),which has opposed the arena, challenged the City of St. Paul's approval of the environmental review.

"After thoroughly reviewing the court’s opinion, the university is confident that each of the three areas the court has directed the City of Saint Paul to address in the original Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) can be remedied," UST shared in a statement Tuesday. "However, St. Thomas disagrees with the court’s opinion that the city’s initial EAW was insufficient and plans to appeal the decision."

The statement the continued to say university leaders are encouraged that the court rejected many of the claims included in the lawsuit.

"The university remains committed to the development of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, which will provide a top-tier facility for NCAA Division-I student-athletes and fans, strengthen the student experience and alumni engagement, and bring additional economic vitality to the region for generation," the statement concludes.

UST leaders announced plans last year to build the hockey and basketball venue with help from a $75 million gift from Penny and Lee Anderson.

At the time, UST leaders said the university hoped to break ground on the facility in 2024 ahead of a fall 2025 grand opening .