Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world. Canada, Sweden, and Finland are known for their excellent hockey programs. Unfortunately, not all countries can afford to have an excellent hockey team. That’s why you need to be careful when deciding where to spend your money when it comes to building a hockey rink. The good news is that not too much money is needed to build a functional hockey rink. Below we will discuss the exact cost of a hockey rink, as well as give you an idea of what amenities you can expect to find at a typical NHL facility.
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What Is The Cost Of A Hockey Rink?
The cost of a hockey rink will vary depending on the location. In general, building a rink in a cold location will cost you more money than building one in a temperate climate. Other factors, such as whether you will use ice sheets or artificial ice, will affect the final cost. Keep in mind that the price will not include any players’ salaries, which can range from several million to over a billion dollars per year.
The chart below provides a general idea of what to expect in terms of the cost to build a hockey rink. Keep in mind that prices can vary a lot, depending on how far the location is from major cities and whether you will use ice sheets or artificial ice. You can also check out our top pick on how to build a hockey rink for more information about the materials and tools you will need.
What Amenities Does A Hockey Rink Offer?
Aside from providing a place for people to play hockey, the amenities that a hockey rink offers can vary, but there are some standard amenities that all NHL teams use. One of the most important things that a hockey rink offers is cold ice. When the ice is cold, it is easy for players to slide around and use their sticks effectively. If you have never been to a hockey game, this may seem like a strange thing to say, but trust us, the ice will be worth it.
Another important thing that a hockey rink offers is seating. When you’re in charge of designing your own sports arena, you have the option of including a large number of seats. There are many different types of seating arrangements that you can choose from when designing your sports arena. In general, the closer the seats are to the action, the better the television view will be. On the other hand, a wider entrance leads to a more open space, which can be a good thing, especially if you want to include more natural light.
Another important thing that a hockey rink offers is a place for the players to wash their equipment. Before each game, the hockey players must clean their equipment to ensure the playing surface is free of any dirt or debris. While some people may think that washing the equipment before every game will hurt the skin of the players, it is actually good for them. Having clean equipment means that they will be less prone to injury, especially in the creases where the skin is most likely to be damaged.
The Difference Between Ice Sheets And Artificial Ice
The cost of a hockey rink can be affected by whether you will use ice sheets or artificial ice. If you decide that ice sheets are the way to go, you will need to prepare a large area for the frozen stuff, typically taking up about half of the available space. When using ice sheets, the rest of the space can be used for whatever you want. You have the option of including some artificial ice, which will speed up the game as well as make it more affordable. The main difference between the two is that ice sheets require a lot of maintenance and cleaning, while artificial ice can be cleaned with water and soap.
Rinks Built With The NHL In Mind
An important thing to keep in mind is that most NHL rinks are built with the hockey league in mind. When they designed these arenas, the architects and engineers wanted to ensure that the playing surface was as close to perfect as possible. As a result, most NHL rinks are designed with the ideal of creating a perfect playing surface in mind. Of course, there are many exceptions to this rule, but the majority of NHL rinks follow this philosophy.
Final Takeaway
Hockey is a wonderful game and a fantastic sport. However, like most other sports, there is a price to pay for all the fun. When you’re deciding where to spend your money, keep in mind the cost of a hockey rink. Also, be sure to research the costs of other important items that might affect the price, such as the equipment of the team you support. Finally, if you want a hassle-free experience, consider renting rather than buying a rink.