California Rubber

California’s and Nevada’s Authoritative Voice of Hockey

Reno Ice hoping to break ground, become reality later in 2020

 

There may yet be a new arena in Reno.

Reno Ice – the Jennifer M. O’Neal Community Ice Arena was slated to break ground last month after the O’Neal family made a major donation to get the project underway.

Jennifer O’Neal is the mother of Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association (GRCISA) board member Chris O’Neal.

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“The facility will be built to offer events tailored to all members of the community,” said Reno Land, Inc., vice president for development Joel Grace. “We will be offering skating lessons for all ages, power skating, figure skating, broom ball, ice hockey, sled hockey and curling. The ice rink will be able to host group events and parties as well.

“Reno is a winter sports town, with a noticeable shortcoming. We are looking forward to offering the adults and children of this community an opportunity to enjoy all ice related activities, both competitively or recreationally.”

The cost associated with the first phase of construction is approximately $9.5 million and will utilize nearly four acres of the six-acre lease held by GRCISA, located on Wedge Parkway in the South Valleys Regional Sports Complex in Washoe County.

Grace said the first phase should take about 7-8 months to complete.

The first phase includes the parking lot and landscaping, as well as a 38,843 square-foot building that will house the lobby area, locker rooms, a rental and pro shop, mechanical and Zamboni room and the rink itself.

“Our community is continuing to evolve from a gaming and tourism economy to one driven by advanced manufacturing and technology,” said Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada president and CEO Mike Kazmierski. “When we’re out on the road recruiting companies and their employees to bring their talents to Northern Nevada, we often get questions about ice facilities, especially from startups and tech companies. Reno Ice is a much-needed addition to our list of community offerings.”

User fees will cover operating costs, and a scholarship program is planned to ensure no youth is denied the opportunity to participate in the rink’s many programs.

— Matt Mackinder

(April 22, 2020)

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