Affordable Ice Arena Design
For some ice arena projects - like the NHL and even some college rinks - budget doesn’t seem to be a primary concern. But for most, ice arena design needs to be done with budget in mind. As experienced rink and recreation architects, we know a few tools and tricks of the trade that can help minimize or offset costs while still getting you the ice arena you’ve been dreaming and planning.
Ice rink arenas can range from top-of-the-line multipurpose facilities that include some of the most unique amenities, all the way to your basic hockey barn with a little more than bleachers, a sheet of ice and concession stand. Each extreme, and every design in between, creates a custom experience for each of your arena visitors by incorporating the ice rink features that matter most. Our process starts with creating the laundry list of wants and needs for your rink. From here we ask lots of questions to create clarity around your vision. Then we share ideas from our experience and best practices we’ve seen in the industry. Together we InVision your new facility and the ice rink features it might entail.
Ice Arena Design
Customization
Because you’re here to design a custom ice arena, you can rest assured the basics are accounted for - ice, seating, bathrooms, circulation, codes, etc. The very best arenas provide an excellent experience for all visitors. Going beyond those in skates, your custom ice rink arena should aim to impress and satisfy parents, fans, siblings, non-skating athletes, and other community members. These ‘recre-tainment’ features give you the best opportunity to operate a successful rink. Here’s a list of just some of the successful ideas we’ve seen:
Party / Meeting Rooms
Pro Shops
Arcades
High-End Locker Rooms
Weight Room / Dry land Training
Dining Options, i.e. coffee, yogurt, pizza, etc.
Climbing Walls / Indoor Playgrounds
Turf Fields
How Much Does it Cost to Build an Ice Arena?
As you might expect, the answer largely depends on the size and scope of your project. However, most standard arenas start at $8 million to $10 million (includes one sheet of ice, seating for around 200, and the prep, maintenance, and gathering space needed to support its operation). With that being said, there is a lot that can be done to impact that price point. Seemingly simple changes like increasing the seating quantity can make a big difference; and then of course adding a second sheet of ice or other amenities can impact costs (but also revenue).
If those costs cause your project to stall, which is common in hometown rink projects, then our Rink in a Box design may be a good fit. It’s a templated ice rink design that includes cost savings and efficiencies to prioritize a lean budget and a practical design. Download Rink in a Box for the latest budget pricing.
Other Considerations
There’s a delicate balance between costs and revenue opportunity that needs to be found in every ice arena design. Some upgrades, that may be more costly at the time of construction, can provide operational savings throughout the life of your rink, i.e. energy efficient equipment. Other features and enhancements can provide additional revenue-generating opportunities that bring new people into your rink, or current customers back in more frequently - like a turf field, party room, or restaurant. We can help you strike this balance to design an ice rink that makes the most of your budget and optimizes your revenue potential.
Rink Funding Resources
Our experience designing ice arenas, paired with trusted vendor partners make it possible to build an ice rink cost-efficiently. But, we understand that money still needs to come from somewhere, and it is generally one of the primary hurdles for those building a rink. Being part of so many rink projects over the years has exposed us to a lot of different and creative ways to get financing. So, in addition to a lot of ideas and examples, we also have resources available to help you get the financing needed to bring your ice rink to life.
