How Much Does It Cost to Build an Ice Rink?

Ice Rink Construction Costs

To build an ice rink can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over seven million dollars. If you have been following the Ice Rinks industry, you would have realized that the industry leveled out over the past five years after melting for a period during the recession. Demand for ice activities, which tend to be relatively more expensive than other forms of sports and exercise, took longer to rebound after the recession, as unemployment remained high and wages stagnated.

The cost to build an ice rink can range from $500,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the size and features of the rink.

For smaller-scale operations, such as the backyard or public roller hockey rinks, the costs usually start at around $35 000. This cost includes the building material and labor needed to construct the rink and any additional features like guard rails or benches.

Ice Rink Operation

The entire process can take almost 48 hours. The ice is only about one inch thick when everything is finished. In addition, the official size of a National Hockey League rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide.

It takes 3 days below freezing for enough ice to form to start skating unless the temperature drops really really cold (below -12C). If it’s the first freeze of the year sometimes 4 days.

Quite allot, nearly 40000 dollars a month to keep the local one going. They have several dehumidifiers, plus about 70 pipes under the ice, all of which is refrigerating.

Synthetic Ice Rink Costs

Cost Factors

How much does it cost to build a synthetic ice rink? The cost of a synthetic ice rink is $14,000 – $395,000. This depends largely on size and quality of materials.

A synthetic rink uses polymers instead of ice. Despite being plastic, skates create a slippery surface for skating. These durable plastics look like ice and provide a similar skating experience. The product lasts 7-10 years for recreational use, or 5-7 years for commercial use.

Synthetic rinks cannot be used competitively, so real ice is needed for governing body regulations. Size is the most obvious factor in determining cost. More space requires more materials, labor, and time so has a higher price tag.

Size Considerations

Some size guidelines are: hockey rink, 85 by 200 feet; Olympic skating rink, 98 by 200 feet.

Additional Considerations

The cost depends on your particular requirements. Decide on size, as that determines number of tiles to buy. Accessories like dasher boards and skates are another consideration. Smaller rinks to practice skating moves may use fewer tiles. Larger rinks for speed skating or hockey training need a bigger surface. Although saving money is good, it’s worth investing in premium quality tiles – cheap ones aren’t worth it.

Total rink area typically ranges from 8 by 20 feet to 20 by 40 feet. Thickness ranges from 3⁄8 inch to 3⁄4 inch depending on residential or commercial use. Options include rinks to use skates and Extreme Glide rinks to use with sneakers and slide booties. Prices start at $1,230 CAD for an 8 by 20 foot rink 3⁄8 inch thick to $6,675 CAD for a 1⁄2 inch thick, 20 by 40 foot rink.

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