The season is almost over and you still don’t have a game room? Let us help you make the most of the last bits of the season by suggesting some affordable alternatives you can try out.
Table of Contents
Rent A Hockey Rink
It is pretty much guaranteed that you will enjoy playing hockey once you try it, but unless you are lucky enough to have an outdoor rink in your backyard, there is no guarantee you will have a place to play. If you do, it will probably be freezing and if not, it will be very crowded, which can be stressful for anyone, especially when you are trying to enjoy a leisurely game.
Hiring a hockey rink is not as expensive as one would think, especially if you compare it to renting a similar-sized space elsewhere. For example, Ice Rinks USA charges roughly $25,000 for the entire season (approximately 92 games), which is approximately what you would pay for an adult team in a recreational league.
However, you must remember that there are additional costs associated with hiring a hockey rink. You will have to buy a bunch of new equipment to even begin to call yourself a professional, and aside from that, you will have to consider paying people to teach you how to play the game. Furthermore, because there is no set schedule when it comes to hockey, you have to make sure you book enough lessons to make sure you get your money’s worth or you will get halfway through the season and still have not recouped your investment.
How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Hockey Rink?
It is no secret that renting a hockey rink is a lot cheaper than buying your own, but the question is: How much does it cost to buy a hockey rink?
The price of a hockey rink will depend on numerous factors, the most important of which is the size. The bigger the rink, the more expensive it will be to buy. However, you will not necessarily need a large rink to enjoy hockey, especially since you can always rent a smaller one. Another important factor to consider is whether you want an indoor or outdoor rink. Outdoor rinks are generally cheaper than indoor ones, but they require a lot of maintenance work, which includes sealing the ice, mowing the lawn, and ensuring the temperature is right.
As for the price of an indoor rink, the scenario is reversed. You will generally have to pay a bit more for an indoor rink, but it is still cheaper than renting one. Furthermore, indoor rinks come with a lot of bonus features, such as a refrigeration system, which makes the ice last longer and also keep things cool for the players. Finally, an indoor rink can also be used year-round, which is not the case with an outdoor one.
Other than the size and type of the rink, the cost of a hockey rink is dependent on numerous other factors. These include the type of wood used in construction, the number of seats, and whether there is a bathroom or a kitchenette. If you are on a tight budget, you should try and avoid rinks that have several other users, as you will have to pay for additional fees that go along with this (like rental fees, cleaning fees, and electricity fees).
Additional Costs You Need To Consider
Aside from the price of the rink itself, there are other costs you need to consider. These include the cost of the stands, which can range from about $5,000 to $20,000, and the cost of the chairs and tables, which can range from about $500 to $1,500. Finally, you need to remember to factor in the cost of new equipment you will need to buy, like gloves, wristbands, and skates, which will add up to a considerable amount of money. It is also essential to remember that, depending on where you live, there might be other costs you will need to consider, like permits and licensing fees.
The Downsides To Renting A Hockey Rink
While there are many pluses to renting a hockey rink, there are also a few downsides. First, you will not own the equipment, so you will have to rent it from the rink’s owners (or pay for your own at the very least). Second, you will not have full control over how you want to use the space, especially if it is a larger one. Third, outdoor rinks are more prone to inclement weather, which may ruin your game. Finally, outdoor rinks require a lot of maintenance, which includes mowing the lawn, sealing the ice, and making sure the temperature is right.
In conclusion, renting a hockey rink is a viable alternative for anyone who does not have one in their own backyard and cannot afford one or would like to try out hockey for the first time. Furthermore, if you are on a tight budget and cannot spend a lot of money on a full-blown hockey rink, renting one is still cheaper than buying one (even if it is more than half of your budget), so it is well worth considering.
Final Suggestions
Now that you have some idea of how much a hockey rink costs, it is time to suggest some alternative places you can play. If you don’t have a backyard, then take a look at your local high school or community center. They may have an outdoor rink you can use and, depending on the size, it might be quite affordable. Furthermore, if you are on a tight budget, you can always ask the high school or community center if they will let you use their rink for free or at a reduced rate. On the other hand, indoor rinks are perfect for people who live in large cities, as they provide a space where you can play regardless of the weather.
Whether you rent a hockey rink or buy one, make sure you enjoy playing the game as much as possible by getting proper equipment and taking lessons from people who know how to play.