Ice Rink Fundamentals
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An ice rink is a frozen surface for ice skating or winter sports. The name "rink" comes from a Scottish word meaning "course". Early ice hockey was played on curling rinks.
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Rinks can use real or synthetic ice. Synthetic ice is also called artificial ice. It’s created by freezing water mechanically rather than naturally.
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Ice temperature affects how the ice feels. Figure skating rinks keep ice slightly softer, around 25-29 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice that’s too hard or cold is possible.
Rink Specifications
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The average female figure skater is petite, around 5’3" and 108 pounds. Olympic-sized rinks are preferred for major figure skating events. They measure 60 by 30 meters (197 by 98 feet).
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Hockey rinks are rectangles with rounded corners, surrounded by 1.22 meter (4 foot) high walls. Rinks can either paint the ice white or leave its natural color. Both have pros and cons. Paint makes the puck more visible. But natural ice is often easier to maintain.
Boxing Ring
- A boxing ring, often referred to simply as a ring or the squared circle, is the space in which a boxing match occurs. A modern ring consists of a square raised platform with a post at each corner.
Roller Rink
- A roller rink is a hard surface usually consisting of hardwood used for roller skating.
World’s Largest Ice Rink
- Ottawa hosts the world’s largest ice rink – The Rideau Canal Skateway.
Most Popular Sport in the USA
- American football is the most popular spectator sport to watch in the United States.
Arena Facts
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Rinks are constructed by interlocking panels. Synthetic ice is sometimes called artificial ice. It’s created by freezing water mechanically.
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The New York Rangers have the oldest NHL arena.
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The Smoothie King Center, with 16,867 seats, is the smallest NBA arena.