Community rallies for year-round ice rink in Pensacola

During a recent government meeting, stakeholders from the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club and local ice sports organizations presented a compelling case for the need for year-round ice facilities in the area. With over 500 participants in figure skating and hockey, the community is experiencing significant demand for ice time, which is currently limited due to sporadic seasonal access.

Sharon, a representative from the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club, highlighted that their programs generate more than $150,000 in revenue for the Bay Center each season, despite the lack of adequate facilities. She noted that many programs, including adaptive and Special Olympics skating, have waitlists, and adult hockey registration closed within minutes last season due to overwhelming interest. Furthermore, local youth hockey teams often travel to other cities for practice and tournaments, resulting in lost revenue for Pensacola.

Greg Bamford, a long-time resident and parent of a junior hockey player, emphasized the potential for economic growth through ice sports, suggesting that the city should consider the long-term benefits of investing in ice facilities. He argued that such facilities could attract tournaments and visitors during the off-season, generating significant revenue for local businesses.

Jen Burkhart, secretary for the Northwest Florida Hockey League, echoed these sentiments, sharing that families currently spend substantial amounts on travel and accommodations for tournaments outside of Pensacola. She urged the council to consider the economic impact of providing a dedicated ice facility, which could keep funds within the community.

Frank Lloyd, a former hockey player and figure skater, pointed out that other regions with multiple ice sheets see substantial economic benefits, suggesting that even a single rink could be highly productive for Pensacola.

Darren Schaeffer from VISIT Pensacola also spoke about the importance of developing facilities that can attract visitors and enhance the local economy. He noted that the use of tourism funds for such developments could yield significant returns for Escambia County.

The meeting underscored a growing consensus among local ice sports advocates that the establishment of a year-round ice facility is not only necessary for the community's recreational needs but also presents a unique opportunity for economic development in Pensacola.