Central’ ice-dependent winter sports are gearing up for an earlier opening date and a longer season as the roof over Alexandra’s ice rink is doing its job. 

Alexandra’s IceInline, is the home of several skating, curling, ice hockey clubs who usually get back into training and competing in May each year. 

The $1.6million roof over the facility, completed in April 2024, has meant the facility has brought forward its opening date to be Friday April 25 (Anzac day) during the school holidays this year. 

IceInline chairperson Murray Miller said the season had been extended by three weeks at the start, and two weeks at the other end.

“The roof has been perfect… we can plan events and they happen.”

Murray said previously the ice making plant was working in overload trying to freeze the rain in bad weather.

“The roof has been a double win for us… we’re saving money and people can still skate in the rain [and stay dry].”

The rink opened in 1993 and measuring 60m x 30m is the largest outdoor facility in the southern hemisphere.

Since the rink opened a three stage enhancement has occurred due to the support of local funders, council and fundraising efforts; a new ice making plant and heat exchanger was completed in 2018, the addition of an indoor curling rink in 2021 and the roof project last year. 

Last winter local families used the facility in inclement weather, when previously the rink would have had to close. 

One ice skating mum described it as “a game changer" keeping both rain, sun and leaves off the ice surface.

Murray said the roof project did end up being about $40-50K over budget due to a late addition required; a fire alarm system in the roof.

The IceInline committee is investigating summer uses of the rink currently.

“We’re looking for a sport that needs a roof and a concrete floor,” Murray said.

One possibility is getting a mat with lines for Pickleball. In recent months roller hockey and leisure marching have been held at the facility. 

He said following the completion of the roof project the committee would be taking a breather on large developments for a bit.

The indoor curling rink was designed to be extended to four lanes, which could still happen in the future.

Stay tuned for an update about the winter season events in our Activities and news from the Maniototo Adventure Park soon.

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