Questions and Answers

Ice rink questions and answers

TECHNICAL

• What size should a mobile ice rink have? The average mobile ice rink size is 600 m² or 20×30 meters. Larger towns usually choose larger ice rinks. If the ice rinks is designated for a special event the size and shape can be discussed and customized.

• Does the surface under the ice rink have to be level? Yes. Ice rinks are usually installed on a wooden floor, which has to be minimal one meter longer than the ice rink itself. This subfloor can be extended to serve as a deck. It is important that the undersurface is leveled and that the load bearing capacity of the floor is 300 kg/m2.

• How much space does the equipment take up? The average space required for the installation of the ice rink system (cooling units, buffer tank and generator) is 35 m², depending on the size of the ice rink. Exact details can be provided once the actual size of the ice rink is known.

• How long does it take to construct an ice rink? The portable aluminum ice rink system can be installed in a matter of hours. The ice-making takes between 12 and 24 hours.

• Will someone inspect the site? Yes, we will always inspect the site first. Following this inspection we will send you our organization schedule specifying all the technical arrangements for the ice rink construction.

• Who has technical responsibility for the ice rink during the event? During the rental time, the ice master named in the organization chart is responsible for the ice rinks system.

OPERATION

• How many staff do we need? This will very much depend on the site and the scale of the event. You will need a minimum of 2 staff when renting an ice rink.

• Are supervision and security required? On a quiet day supervision by the cabin staff will usually suffice. However, on a busy skating day supervision is absolutely essential. From the moment of delivery until all materials have been removed security will be required, when the ice rink is not in use, hence particular at night.

•  Is a deck around the ice rink required? The deck is very important and its surface area should be at least 30% of the ice arena.

• How about safety on the ice rink itself? Provide clear information about do’s and don’t on the ice rink and recommend that skaters wear gloves. Make arrangement with the First Aid department and provide first aid facilities near the ice rink. Discourage skaters from racing.

• How about routing? The route from the ticket office to skate issue and the deck, the ice rink, catering outlets and exit must be planned properly in order to prevent skates from getting stolen, people entering without paying or poor turnover for catering outlets.

• How do we recruit sponsors? Creativity will go a long way, but you may want to use our experience to be even more successful in this respect. We will provide information on this subject.

• What can we offer sponsors? Advertising boards, use of the ice rink, Webcam advertising, slide presentation and leaflets are the obvious things you can offer sponsors. We will be happy to discuss more inventive ideas with you.

• Can we place advertising boards along the ice rink? The boarding around the ice rinks can be used to attach advertising boards, both on the inside and the outside. We have different types of boarding in stock.

• Can we incorporate advertisements in the ice? Yes. The material used must be porous, the colors bright and well defined. However, you should bear in mind that the advertisement will soon be obliterated by snow-like powder.

• Should we cover the ice rink? That depends on the location. A marquee offers security of skating no matter what weather conditions, but can adversely affect the atmosphere of the location.

• How can we find out more? We can provide you with all the information available to us about operating an ice rink. However, we will not do this until the ice rink has been booked.

• How many people can the ice rink accommodate? You will need approximately 3 m2 per person.

• Do people sometimes get hurt on the ice? Ice is slippery and skates are sharp. By providing good supervision on the rink and taking preventive measures such as wearing gloves many minor accidents can be prevented. Make sure that First Aid facilities are provided.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

• Who provides items like lighting and sound systems for the ice rink?Almost any town will have lighting and sound system rental companies. We can provide addresses if required.

• Can we put a Christmas tree in the middle of the rink? Yes, but this is not advisable for ice rinks smaller than 600m2 for reasons of space.