ice rink design.pdf

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INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION

You can buildan ice rink everywhereChapter 1

1.1 Introduction of the Manual /IIHF Prototype

A covered ice rink is not an impossibledream. How can it be? After all, there are over2700 rinks in Canada alone! There are rinks incountries and cities, which never have had snowor ice.

This manual from the International IceHockey Federation intends to show that buildingan ice rink is possible anywhere in the world. Thebasic element is enthusiasm and some entrepre-neurship.

We want to target ice hockey clubs andleisure organisations that have the ambition totake their program to another level and showthem how to successfully construct, manage andoperate an ice rink. This manual also targets thedecision makers, politicians in the communities and

municipalities and presents them with ideas howto make building an ice rink financially feasible.

The local rink is far from only being a placewhere you practise and play ice hockey. Specialsocial patterns can develop within the confines ofan ice rink, and there are many ”rink rats“ whohave spent long hours at the rink without everlacing a pair of skates. Parents who assist theirchildren, volunteers who sell hot dogs during aweekend junior tournament or take a shift drivingthe ice resurfacer.

By building an ice rink, more than just thegame of ice hockey prospers. In many communi-ties, the ice rink has become the centre of social lifewhere many other activities can be performed. Anice rink can also be used for figure skating, fairs, ex-hibitions, minor conventions and coaching clinics. Bycovering the ice sheet during off-season the arenacan be utilized for other indoor sports such as bas-ketball, indoor soccer, handball and inline hockey.

There are several examples where an icerink has served as a boost for a whole community.This manual wants to be the inspiration to startlooking and finding ways and solutions in order tobuild a community rink.

In this manual we will introduce a prototypethat is not the cheapest possible solution to builda small ice rink. The prototype is a product of amarketing approach. It is a concept that offersmodern comfort to visitors, both active and pas-sive, through modern ice rink construction tech-niques. The rink should be an appealing place toall potential visitors. It should be safe, comfortableand give visitors the opportunity to enjoy theirstay, whether it’s on the ice, in the small but com-fortable restaurant, in the stands or in the dressingroom. The rink should also be easy to maintain,with low overhead and investment costs.

The writers of this manual feel that theprototype reflects all these wishes. The aestheticdesign is the icing on the cake. We hope that youwill be as fascinated as we are about the concept.

1.2 Introduction to ice hockeyIce hockey is a product of evolution stem-

ming from existing sports, coupled with geo-graphical and cultural parameters. Further, it is ateam sport enjoyed by millions of players world-wide and viewed by millions more. It has beenproclaimed the ”fastest team sport in the world“

You can have an ice sheet in the desert in theUnited Arab Emirates or, as on this picture, in sunnyCalifornia.

Prototype of an IIHF rink


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The Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, Canada. The site of the first ever hockey game, March 3, 1875.

and the object of the game, simply stated, is toscore more goals than your opponent does. Thefact that each team uses six players, including thegoaltender showcases individual skill within a teamconcept, which ultimately provides a dynamic sportexperience that is unique from game to game.

While the exact origins of the game can bedebated, it is generally accepted that ice hockeyas is played today, took shape on Canada’s EastCoast between the mid to late 1800’s. A form ofbandy or ”Hurley on ice“ became logical for thesettlers to this new land when confronted withthe harsh winter conditions. Over time, local ruleswere implemented and equipment, particularlyskates and the stick, were manufactured specifi-cally for ice hockey. As popularity for the gameincreased over time, the sport began to be ex-ported to other countries, especially as travel itselfbecame easier. Many refinements regarding rulesand equipment were instituted around the turn ofthe century but modifications still continue todayas ongoing efforts to improve the game both onand off the ice persist.

The first recorded indoor ice hockey gametook place at Victoria Skating Rink in Montrealway back in 1875. From those modest beginnings,the game has transformed into a major modernindoor sport. The impact of enclosed arenas tothe game is hard to overestimate. Technology has

recently afforded the sport of ice hockey substan-tial opportunities to expand globally. No longer afunction of climate, current facility constructionallows ice hockey and skating in general to nowbe accommodated virtually anywhere in the world.

It might be significant to note that it hasbeen historically documented that a containedcovered rink contributed to a common communityspirit. This social type of gathering still plays animportant part of today’s society, enabling peoplewith similar interests to get together and cheer ontheir local ice hockey teams for the purposes ofentertainment and civic pride. From an industryperspective, an indoor arena provides a greaterpotential to generate revenue because games canbe played year round, regardless of the weather.Further, top class events can be planned with cer-tainty, providing a guarantee of sorts to sponsors,spectators and even media, including television.

With this in mind, it is not surprising thatthe appeal of the game goes far beyond just theparticipants. Ice hockey is an extremely popularspectator sport, whether it is viewed in personor via a television broadcast. Either way both menand women of all ages enjoy the fast paced actionthat is witnessed during a typical ice hockey match.Aside from the general traits required to excel atthis sport, such as endurance, strength, balanceand good hand-eye coordination, players show-

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case a variety of skills specific to the game itself.This includes not only the ability to skate withinthe context of the contact sport that hockey is,but also to be able to stickhandle and shoot thepuck while in motion.

Because of the mass appeal, the gamelends itself to be marketable from a number ofperspectives. Corporations frequently benefit fromtheir association with this dynamic sport andcan brand its product or service via the game. Thedemographics of ice hockey, despite variationsfrom country to country, reveal that most arenapatrons are aware of advertising within the build-ing, and typically have a higher than averageincome. When mixed with an exciting product onthe ice, all parties stand to benefit.

Today, corporations go beyond the tradi-tional static advertising as has been evident withinthe rink and on the equipment of the playersthemselves. In a sense they exhibit a form of

vertical integration, actually taking ownership ofthe building and/or sport franchise in efforts togenerate a greater awareness of the companyand ultimately additional revenues. Similarly, inNorth America, a trend has started with profes-sional ice hockey teams building skating facilitieslocally as a way to develop and nurture a grass-roots core of players who become spectators andpurchasers of team merchandise. By entering therink ownership and operation business, the teamand any associated partners strive for long-termgrowth in their local market.

Therefore, where traditionally a skatingfacility was viewed primarily as part of the commu-nity’s infrastructure, not unlike a park or a library,today’s arena projects are examined in economicterms with revenue and expense implications.Naming rights, private boxes, concession, alongwith innovative advertising opportunities are justa few examples.

Modern professional ice hockey is played in 10 000 plus arenas. The action is fast-paced and the competition fierce.Here, Canada plays Russia in the IIHF World Championship.


2.1 Interest of the communityIce sports come particularly close to the

ideal of “Sports for All”, a concept envisaging thepromotion of health, communication and qualityof life through sports. These sports stand for healthand enjoyment while being socially and recre-ationally relevant to both sexes within a wideage bracket. An arena gives opportunities for thecommunity to enjoy a great diversity of ice sports.From skating to figure skating, to ice hockey,standard and short-distance speed skating, therange extends to curling and broomball, whileproviding opportunities for everyone. An ice rinkalways attracts crowds, whether it’s individuals,schools or clubs, single athletes or teams. As longas it is supported by diverse, well-organized utiliza-tion programs and opening hours, an ice rinkencourages many people to identify with skating.Schools and clubs are the entry-level motivatorsgenerating an interest in skating beyond the levelof basic skills. From here, one development willlead to recreational sports as a lifelong athleticpastime, while another may take the enthusiast tocompetitive sports in an ice hockey or skating club.

Ice rinks are attractive sports and recre-ational facilities promoting health and socialactivity as a key element of “quality of life”. Expe-rienced physicians, responsible pedagogues andsocial scientists, forward-looking communal politi-cians, and all stakeholders in the world of sportshave underlined this.

The public interest in ice hockey, figureskating, speed skating, curling and broomball thathas emerged in many countries has led to thesituation that ice sports today are no longer viewedas a special or even exclusive kind of athleticactivity. However, all-weather facilities availableduring 6-9 months of the year are usually in shortsupply. Natural ice surfaces, with their dependenceon climatic conditions, are equally unsuitable forcontinued, wide-scale recreational use as theyare for regular training, exciting competitions, orcharming figure skating events. Artificial ice rinkshave therefore become indispensable in today’sincreasingly sports-related recreational environ-ment, whether to meet older people’s growing in-terest in ice-skating, the steadily growing demandfor competition venues, or quite simply, spectatorrequirements.

During the ice-free remainder of the year,these facilities also become an ideal site for inline

skating, and other indoor sports activities. So-called dry-floor events such as exhibitions, meet-ings, shows, music events and theatre are otherpotential uses.

The possibility of year-round use is a neces-sary and valuable condition, as it were, for con-sidering the construction of such a facility. Highcapacity utilization can warrant the investmentand the recurring annual operational costs.

2.2 Activity programs and services

Ice hockeyOf course, youth and adult hockey programs

will provide the greatest number of users of a facil-ity. It is vital to the success of the rink to program asmany hours of usage as possible. Scheduling youthprograms to utilize as many early evening, andweekend hours, as possible will leave late nighttimes to be filled with adult hockey programs.

A typical youth hockey program will occupyweeknight ice from 5 PM to 10 PM, the majorityof Saturday ice from the early morning to theevening, and most of the day and evening also onSunday. Depending upon the country or the timeof the year, youth hockey players may also be ableto skate during a weekday or on holidays.

As previously mentioned, rinks need tomaximize their ice usage. Adult hockey shouldbe scheduled to fill late night hours throughoutthe week. It is not uncommon for adult hockeyleagues to begin at 9 PM, and have games endingas late at 1AM. Sunday evenings, depending onavailability, are also common times for adult hockey.

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Social interestof an ice rinkChapter 2

Ice rinks are also attractive recreational facilities pro-moting health and social activity in the community.

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Another program that has gained promi-nence is recreational or open hockey. Ice time isreserved and players register individually for eachsession. Sessions are typically either one hour or90 minutes in length. Scheduled times can varydepending upon the community, but late Fridayand Saturday nights, weekday early morning or”lunch time“ sessions and also Sunday morningshave been found to be successful. It is also possibleto rent ice time to adult hockey groups, who mayfill odd hours at the facility. In any event, the pick-up sessions should be scheduled to fill the lessdesirable, or ”quiet hours“ in a facility.

Learn to Skate & Learn to Play Hockey programsThe Learn to Skate and Learn to Play

Hockey programs are the foundation of a success-ful facility. In these programs, casual participantscan be turned into more serious customers thatreturn to the facility three to four times a week. Ifchildren can demonstrate a minimum proficiencyon the ice, it becomes more enjoyable to return tothe rink and develop as athletes.

These types of program are very importantto keep skaters coming back to the rink. The Learnto Skate and Play programs, targeting the 5 to12 year old children, will constantly provide newskaters for your more advanced programs.

Classes can also be offered to very youngchildren, ages 3 to 5 years old. These classes canbe offered during weekday mornings when theolder children are in school. Again, this providesthe rink another program to fill those ”quiet hours“when the rink is under-utilised. These Learn toSkate classes will also provide a feeder programto your classes for the older children. Similar pro-grams may be offered during the “quiet hours”that target the adult or senior community.

An advantage of the Learn to Skate and Playprograms is that during each session, as many as8 different classes, with approximately 10 children

in each class, can be put on the ice at the sametime. Each class may be 30 to 45 minutes inlength. This scheduling will allow the facility toschedule 3 to 4 class sessions during a 2 hour timeperiod. The financial benefits of maximizing yourice utilization can be substantial for the rink.

For these programs, one weekday afternoonsession and a Saturday morning or afternoon sessionshould be offered as a minimum. The weekday ses-sion will serve as an after school activity, and couldbe operated from 4 to 6 PM. Depending on thecommunity, this time frame could be very popular.

Saturday sessions provide the opportunityfor all family members to participate. Parents, andeven Grandparents, may have a better chance ofattending weekend sessions. This session shouldbe offered immediately before or after a publicskating session so that your customers may spendmore time at the facility.

Once a skater progresses through the Learnto Skate and Learn to Play programs, they willchoose the sport that they will concentrate on,either figure skating or hockey. It is important forrinks to have a balance of both programs in orderto maximize the ice usage, and community partic-ipation, at the facility. In a single sheet facility, it isdifficult to accommodate the needs of all the usergroups, but it is important to create an environ-ment where all can participate.

Public skating In many areas, especially those regions

where hockey is not part of the culture, publicskating sessions are important in operating a suc-cessful ice facility. A public skating session is whenice time is set aside so that any individual may, fora fee, skate at the rink. A public skating session isusually an inexpensive means to introducing cus-tomers to your facility.

Public skating also allows the rink manage-ment to introduce customers to other, structured

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The rink is virtually never closed. Young hockey players arrive forpractise.

Practise makes perfect.


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programs that are offered at the facility. Use theconsumer’s general interest in skating to enticethem into more visits to the rink. Public skatingwill allow your entire community to enter yourfacility, and give you an audience to market to.

Most public skating sessions average twohours in length. In many communities, weekendevening sessions on Friday or Saturday nights havebecome traditional. Starting at 7 PM or 8 PM andlasting until 10 PM or 11 PM, both youth and adultscan skate and socialize. As an added feature, a“theme night” program might be instituted. Rockor Popular music Fridays may attract a crowd.

Weekend afternoon sessions are popularwith families. Parents are able to skate with theirchildren, or group outings and events can becomepart of the facilities programming options. Manyfacilities now offer Birthday party programs thatare connected to afternoon public skating sessions.It is best to start weekend afternoon sessions at12 pm or 1 PM and finish at 3 PM or 4 PM.

These are the suggested minimum publicskating times. Every area has a different need andthis should be evaluated continuously. There areother public sessions that work quite well in someregions, including:

✔ Early Sunday evenings. This session, from 6 PMto 8 PM, could become a family, or ”end of theweekend“ event.

✔ Weekday mornings. Make these sessions avail-able for school groups, adult or senior citizengroups.

✔ Weekday afternoons. An after school skate,from 3 PM to 5 PM with music that caters tothe 10 to 14-year-old crowd.

✔ A weeknight session. This session, 7 PM to9 PM, will work around your learn to skateclasses, and may help bring more adults to thefacility.

Figure skatingIn a typical rink, figure skating programs fill

ice time that hockey programs cannot, or will not,utilize. Early morning, mid- and late afternoonhours have become standard for most figureskaters. As an individual sport, it is easier to fillthese odd hours with 10 to 15 individuals, asopposed to a team of 15 to 20 hockey players.

As figure skaters develop and becomemore advanced, they spend more time on the ice.It is common for advanced skaters to practicetwice per day, 5 or 6 times each week.

A new figure skating activity, synchronizedteam skating, is gaining prominence around theworld. This program should be received with openarms by the rink industry. A synchronized skatingteam can put 15 to 20 skaters on the ice for apractice session, incorporating more skaters into aprogram.

Figure skating clubs operate to take care ofthe skaters coming out of the Learn to Skate pro-gram. They can also take care of marketing andpromotion of figure skating programs and eventsfor the facility.

The serious skaters will not hesitate toskate on weekday mornings before school, from6 AM to 9 AM. If the demand is there, somemornings can go longer or begin even earlier. Therinks that can successfully fill these odd hourswith skating programs have a better chance forsuccess.

The advanced skater may begin as early as1 PM during a weekday afternoon, dependingupon their school schedule. Otherwise, 3 PM to6 or 7 PM, several days each week should bemade available for the figure skating programs.Some nights go longer and some nights may end

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Public skating is an inexpensive means of introducingcustomers to your facility.

� Figure Skating 23 hrs

� Learn to Skate 8 hrs

� Learn to Play 2 hrs

� Pickup Hockey 4 hrs

� Youth Hockey 30 hrs

� Adult Hockey 18 hrs

� Public Skating 30 hrs

� Private Rental 17 hrs

Percentage of weekly

ice usage

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at 5 PM. It is also important to schedule yourfigure skating afternoons around the Learn toSkate and Learn to Play programs. This way, thebeginner skaters can view the more advancedprograms, and understand the next level ofparticipation at your facility.

Other ice sportsThere are other ice sports that may or may

not fit with a particular facility or community.Speed skating, curling and Broomball are threeactivities that may complement a rink by filling”quiet hours“ in the facility.

Community programsIt is important to bring as many members

of the community to the facility as possible. Withthis in mind, there are several programs which rinkmanagement can use to bring the public to therink.

Sample weekly schedule

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday6 AM Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey7 AM Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey8 AM Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Figure Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey9 AM Private Rental Adult Public Skate Private Rental Adult Public Skate Private Rental Learn to Skate Youth Hockey

10 AM Private Rental Adult Public Skate Learn to Skate Adult Public Skate Private Rental Learn to Skate Figure Skating11 AM Private Rental Adult Public Skate Learn to Skate Adult Public Skate Private Rental Learn to Play Figure Skating12 PM Public Skating Public Skating Pickup Hockey Public Skating Pickup Hockey Public Skating Public Skating

1 PM Public Skating Public Skating Pickup Hockey Public Skating Pickup Hockey Public Skating Public Skating2 PM Private Rental Private Rental Adult Learn to Skate Private Rental Public Skating Public Skating3 PM Private Rental Learn to Skate Private Rental Private Rental Public Skating Public Skating4 PM Figure Skating Learn to Skate Figure Skating Figure Skating Public Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey5 PM Figure Skating Learn to Play Figure Skating Figure Skating Public Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey6 PM Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Learn to Skate Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey7 PM Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Public Skating Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey8 PM Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Public Skating Youth Hockey Public Skating Public Skating Adult Hockey9 PM Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Youth Hockey Public Skating Public Skating Adult Hockey

10 PM Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Public Skating Public Skating Adult Hockey11 PM Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey12 AM Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Adult Hockey Private Rental Private Rental

1 AM Private Rental Private Rental

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School field trips can be very popular. Therink may create relationships where schools maybring large groups to the facility during the facili-ties “quiet hours” throughout the school day. Therink is selling ice time that it may normally not beused, and it provides the rink with an opportunityto market their programs to potential participants.

In a similar manner to school groups, com-panies and other community organisations suchas youth organisations and church groups mayalso be interested in skating at the rink. It is impor-tant for the rink management to seek out as manyof these opportunities as possible. Private birthdayparties, as explained in the public skating section,are becoming more popular events as well.


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2.3 Ice rinks throughout the world

Australia.......................... 20

Austria ............................ 24

Belarus ............................ 10

Belgium........................... 12

Bulgaria............................. 3

Canada ....................... 2703

China .............................. 15

Chinese Taipei ................... 1

Croatia .............................. 2

Czech Republic .............. 112

Denmark ......................... 17

DPR Korea......................... 2

Estonia .............................. 3

Finland .......................... 202

France ........................... 128

Germany ....................... 149

Great Britain.................... 58

Greece .............................. 2

Hong Kong ....................... 3

Hungary ............................ 4

Iceland .............................. 2

Israel ................................. 4

Italy................................. 49

Japan .............................. 57

Kazakstan.......................... 5

Korea .............................. 15

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Latvia ................................ 4

Lithuania ........................... 2

Luxembourg...................... 1

Mexico ............................ 12

Namibia ............................ 2

Netherlands .................... 20

New Zealand..................... 6

Norway ........................... 29

Poland............................. 20

Portugal ............................ 1

Romania............................ 4

Russia ............................ 84*

Slovakia........................... 40

Slovenia ............................ 7

South Africa ...................... 6

Spain................................. 9

Sweden......................... 285

Switzerland ..................... 82

Thailand ............................ 1

Turkey ............................... 5

Ukraine ............................. 7

United Arab Emirates......... 3

USA ............................ 2500

Yugoslavia......................... 2

* Apart from the 84 indoor rinks, Russia also has951 outdoor rinks.


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3.1 General introductionIce rink facilities share all the same con-

cerns: energy usage, operating costs and indoorclimate. Ice rink design and operation are totallyunique and differ in many ways from standardbuildings. Thermal conditions vary from -5 ºC onthe ice surface to +10 ºC in the stand and +20 ºCin the public areas like dressing rooms and offices.High humidity of indoor air will bring on corrodingproblems with steel structures, decay in woodenstructures and indoor air quality problems likefungi and mould growth etc. Obviously there arespecial needs to have technical building servicesto control the indoor climate and energy use of anice-rink facility. Advanced technology can reduceenergy consumption by even 50 % and thus de-crease operating costs in existing and proposedice rink facilities while improving the indoor climate.

Energy costs and concern about the envi-ronment sets high demands for the technicalsolutions, without effective solutions the opera-tional (energy, maintenance, replacement) costswill increase and short service life time of such asystem is expected from the environmental pointof view. Potentially a lot of savings can be made ifthe facilities are got operating as energy-efficientlyas possible. This will require investment in energy-saving technology and in raising energy awarenesson the part of ice rink operators.

The basic technical elements of a well-workingfacility are:• Insulated walls and ceiling• Efficient refrigeration plant• Mechanical ventilation• Efficient heating system• Air dehumidification

1) Insulated walls and ceiling makes it possibleto control the indoor climate regardless ofthe outdoor climate. In an open-air rink theoperation is conditional on the weather (sun,rain, wind) and the running costs are high.Depending of the surroundings there mightalso be noise problems with the open-air rink –traffic noise may trouble the training or theslamming of the pucks against the boards maycause noise nuisance to the neighbourhood.Ceiling only construction helps to handle withsun and rain problems but may bring aboutmaintenance problems in the form of ”indoor

rain“: humid air will condensate on the coldinner surface of the ceiling and the drippingstarts. The ceiling is cold because of the radiantheat transfer between the ice and the ceiling i.e.the ice cools down the inner surface of the ceil-ing. Though there are technical solutions to mini-mize the indoor rain problem (low emissive coat-ings) the ceiling only solution is still subjectedto weather conditions and high running costs.

2) The refrigeration plant is needed to makeand maintain ice on the rink. Refrigerationplant includes the compressor(s), the condens-er(s), the evaporator(s), and rink pipes. The heatfrom the rink is ”sucked“ by the compressor viathe rink pipes and the evaporator and thenreleased to the surrounding via the condenser.The heat from the condenser can be used toheat the ice rink facility and thus save consider-ably energy and money. Refrigeration plant isthe main energy consumer in the ice rink facil-ity. Compressors, pumps and fans needed inthe refrigeration system are normally run byelectricity and their electricity use may coverover 50 % of the total electricity use of an icerink facility.

3) Mechanical ventilation is necessary to beable to control the indoor air quality andthermal as well as humidity conditions in-side the ice rink. Ventilation is needed both inthe public spaces (dressing rooms, cafeteria,etc.) and in the hall. If you ever have visited adressing room when the ventilation is off youwill realize the necessity of the proper ventila-tion; the stink of the outfit of the hockey playersis unthinkable. Inadequate ventilation will causealso health problems in the hall. To be energy-efficient air renewal must be well controlled.This means that the ice rink enclosure shouldbe airtight so that there are no uncontrollableair infiltration through openings (doors etc.)and roof-to-wall joints. Air infiltration will in-crease energy consumption during the warmand humid seasons related to refrigeration anddehumidification and during the cold seasonsthis is associated with space heating. This leadsus to the fourth basic demand: the ice rinkfacility must be heated. Unheated ice rink isfreezing cold even in warm climates andhumidity control of the air becomes difficult.

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Technical guidelinesof an ice rinkChapter 3

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4) Ventilation offers also a means to heat the icerink. Heating the ice rink with air necessitatesthe use of re-circulated air and that the venti-lation unit is equipped with heating coil(s).Remarkable energy-savings can be achievedwhen using waste heat of the refrigerationprocess to warm up the air.

5) The dehumidification plant is needed in well-working facility to dry the rink air. Excess mois-ture in indoor air will cause corrosion of metalstructures, rotting of wooden structures, fungiand mould growth, increased energy consump-tion and ice quality problems.

Energy consumption is in the key role whenspeaking of the life cycle costs and above all theenvironmental load of the facility during its lifecycle. The key to the effective utilization of theenergy resources in new as well as in retrofit andrefurbishment projects is in the consciousness ofthe energy-sinks and the various parameters affect-ing the energy consumption.

The construction, plant system and opera-tion define the energy consumption of an ice rink.The construction characteristics are the heat andmoisture transfer properties of the roof and walls,as well as air infiltration through cracks and open-ings in the building envelope. The structure of thefloor is also important from the energy point ofview. Plant characteristics include the refrigeration,ventilation, dehumidification, heating, lighting andice maintenance systems. The operational charac-teristics are the length of the skating season, airtemperature and humidity, ice temperature, supplyair temperature and fresh air intake of the air-han-dling unit as well as the control- and adjustmentparameters of the appliances. Figure 3 shows theenergy spectrums of typical training rinks andfigure 4 illustrates the energy flows of a typicalsmall ice rink.

Cooling coil

Heat recovery

Coolantpump

Refrigerationunit

Liquidpump

Rink piping

Figure 1. Refrigeration plant, indirect cooling system.

Figure 2. The construction, plant system and operation define energy consumption of an ice rink.

Insulated exterior envelope• Enables to build an ice rink anywhere in

the world• Air tight envelope to avoid moisture

problems

Heating• Maintains acceptable thermal

conditions• Use heat recovered from the

refrigeration plant (condenser heat)as much as possible

Mechanical ventilation• Provides good indoor

air conditions• Demand-controlled ventilation

saves money and energy

Dehumidification• Dehumidification prevents moisture

problems (fog, soft ice, damages tothe building)

• Dry ventilation air before entering thebuilding

Refrigeration plant• Needed to make and maintain ice• Pay attention to the energy

efficiency of the plant (high COP)

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In an ideal situation the heating demand ofthe ice rink is totally covered with recovered heatfrom the refrigeration process. In practice extraheat is still needed to cover the needs of hot tapwater and heating peaks. Moreover a backup

Figure 4. While producing cold, the ”ice plant“ provides heat that can be utilized in space heating and hotwater production. Still there is a great deal of extra heat that could be made good use of for example in anearby indoor swimming pool.

Electricity900 MWh

Energy losses600 MWh

Cooling energy1300 MWh

Heat 200 MWh

Recoveredheat 800 MWh

Surplus heat1000 MWh

� Compressor 47%

� Brine pumps & condenser fans 14%

� Ice-surface lighting 12%

� Lighting 2%

� HVAC appliances (pumps, fans, controllers, etc.) 9%

� Other consumption� (cafe, cleaning, outdoor lights, etc.) 12%

� Dehumidification 4%

� Space heating 67%

� Warm water 17%

� Melting the snow 16%

Electricity Heat

Figure 3. Main electricity and heat consumption components of a typical training facility.

heating system is needed to meet the heatingdemands when the compressors are not runningfor example during dry floor events (concerts,shows, meetings, etc.).

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It is strongly than recommended that thefirst studies for a new ice rink will be done on a socalled modular base, which allows in later yearspossibilities for optional enlargements. These latermodifications could be like an additional ice pad,enlarged spectator stand or a restaurant.

In order to make the optional features pos-sible for later realization, the designer team shouldtake into consideration some technical features like:• Sizing of refrigeration unit• Main structural support system, where for ex-

ample the columns and foundations on one sideof the building are from beginning planned totake later on extra load from additional structures

• Envelope structure, like external walls, shouldbe at least partly removable

In this manual we are only concentratingon a small ice rink by defining an IIHF prototypeice rink with about 500 fixed seating and a smallrestaurant.

3.3 IIHF prototype definition

Minimum required space, IIHF prototype icerink

In a small ice rink there is a minimum spaceneeded for following use:• at least one standard IIHF ice pad, size of 30 m x

60 m surrounded by a dasher board and glassprotection with 1,5 m minimum space outsideof the dasher board

• four dressing rooms incl. toilets, showers andlockers for personal items

• two coach rooms• referees and linesmen dressing room incl. toilet

and shower• two drying rooms• entrance hall, ticketing• medical room• equipment service room (skate sharpening, stick

storage etc.)• storage space• technical room for mechanical and electrical

system• tribune for 500 spectators• public toilets• small restaurant

3.2 Sizing the ice rinksThere are several ways to classify ice sport

venues and in this manual the definition will bedone on the basis of fixed seating capacity, size ofthe food service supply and multi-purpose possi-bilities.

There fore the sizing of the ice sport venues aredivided into three categories as follow:• Small ice rinks with seating capacity up to 2000 • Medium size ice arenas between 2000 and

6000 seats with some multi-purpose features• Modern multi-purpose ice arenas with over

6000 fixed seats with a wide scale catering offerand many possibilities for multi-purpose use

Small ice rinks can be done without anyfixed seating or any foodservice capability, althoughthe modern small ice rinks are without exceptionalso concentrating on getting additional revenuesthrough special hospitality programs.

Figure 6. Multi-purpose arena, capacity over 8000 seats.

Figure 5. Small ice rink, capacity less than 2000 seats.

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3.4 Materials and structural systemsfor an ice rink

First of all, most important to know aboutice rinks and ice arenas are to understand theirdifferent features compare to any other kind ofbuildings. These special features are due to:• High inside temperature differences in same

indoor climate from -4 °C to +24 °C, where atthe same time these internal climate zones mustbe controlled and stay stable

• Differences in indoor climate also cause humidityproblems that must be under control

• Air tightness is more important feature of thebuilding envelope than thermal insulation

• Large glazing of the facade should be avoideddue to energy costs by operating the facility andthe most optimised ice rink could be done by afully closed casing

However, like in all other kind of buildings,there are structural possibilities for almost all kindsof systems with numerous materials. Main struc-tural systems used for the ice rinks and arenas arenormally:• Arched girders • Grids with mast columns• Frameworks

Figure 7. Structural systems.

Mast-supported grid Rigid frame

Arched frame Mast-supported grid

Arched girder Cable supporter

Room Surface area Typical surface texturenett Flooring (water proof)* Ceiling Wall finishing

Main hall - Dasher board with surrounding 2100 m2 Painted concrete slab Metal sheet of roofing Outside walls, painted Small restaurant 132 m2 wooden surfacing Wood lining Painted brick walls or concretePlayers dressing room (4 x) 30 m2 8 mm rubber surfacing * Wood lining Painted brick walls or concreteReferees and lines-men room 18 m2 8 mm rubber surfacing * Wood lining Painted brick walls or concreteDrying room (2 x) 4 m2 Painted concrete slab Concrete (underneath) Painted brick walls or concreteMedical room 15 m2 8 mm rubber surfacing * Plasterboard Painted brick walls or concreteEquipment service room 8 m2 Painted concrete slab Concrete (underneath) Painted brick walls or concreteTechnical room 50 m2 Painted concrete slab * Metal sheet of roofing PlasterboardIce resurfacing machine 50 m2 Painted concrete slab * Metal sheet of roofing Painted brick walls or concreteCoat-rack for public ice skating 20 m2 2 mm plastic surfacing Metal sheet of roofing PlasterboardDressing rooms for public ice skating (2 x) 10 m2 8 mm rubber surfacing * Wood lining Painted brick walls or concreteEntrance hall, ticketing 70 m2 ceramic tile floor Plasterboard PlasterboardOffice 20 m2 2 mm plastic surfacing Plasterboard Plasterboard

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Required minimum space for each type of room in a IIHF prototype ice rink:

This requires a total building surface area of 3700 m2.

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Below you will find existing examples ofsmall rinks with these different roof structures.

Hartwall Jaffa Arena Training RinkEura, Finland

Facts• Building year: 2000• Building area: 2520 m2 (70 x 26 m)• Ice pad size: 58 x 28 m• Seats: 400

• Skating season: 8 months (August–March)• Ice charge: 44–72 €/hour• Personnel: 2• Heating consumption: 710 MWh/year• Electricity consumption: 710 MWh/year• Water consumption: 2200 m3/year

LayoutThe layout of the rink is simple, the stand

and the players boxes are on the opposite sides ofthe rink, four dressing rooms are at the end of thehall. On top of the dressing rooms there are officerooms, lecture room and cafeteria. The space underthe spectator seat is used as storage. Technicalroom is placed in a separate container outside ofthe rink.

StructuresThe rigid frame structure of the rink is

made of glue laminated timber. The roofing andthe walls are made of polyurethane elements. Toimprove the energy efficiency of the rink the airtight polyurethane elements are equipped withlow emissivity coating laminated on the indoorsurface of the elements. The elements have alsoacoustic dressing which improves the acousticatmosphere of the rink. The facades are made ofbricks and profiled metal sheets.

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Training RinkHämeenkyrö, Finland


• Skating season: 8.5 months • Ice charge: 59–104 € / hour• Personnel: 1–2• Heating consumption: 395 MWh/year• Electricity consumption: 490 MWh year• Water consumption: 1100 m3/year Layout

The four dressing rooms with showers areunder the seat along the long side of the hall. Atthe other end of the hall there is a cafeteria and atraining room.

StructuresThe arched girder structure of the rink is

made of glue laminated timber. The roofing andthe walls are made of polyurethane elements. Toimprove the energy efficiency of the rink the airtight polyurethane elements are equipped withlow emissivity coating laminated on the indoorsurface of the elements. The elements have alsoacoustic dressing which improves the acoustic at-mosphere of the rink. The facades are made ofprofiled metal sheets, clapboard and lime bricks.

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Monrepos Arena Training RinkSavonlinna, Finland


• Skating season: 12 months • Ice charge: – summer 59– 83 € / hour

– other time 38–73 € / hour• Personnel: 3• Heating consumption: 760 MWh/year

(76 m3 oil)• Electricity consumption: 720 MWh/year• Water consumption: 3500 m3/year

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3.4.1 Structural system as used in theIIHF prototype

The roof structure consists of steel trussessupported each by two concrete columns. Atsupport points the bottom boom of the truss bearson an elastomeric bearing pad bolted to the sup-porting concrete column. The whole roof structureof steel (see roofing 3.3.2) is floating on top of theconcrete framework. The concrete columns aremounted ridged to the concrete foundations.

Regarding to the region of the plannednew ice rink, the horizontal loads of the roofstructure, like snow are highly affecting whenchoosing the most economical structural system.If the snow loads are not remarkable, the steeltrusses could easily cost efficiently be spannedover the spectator stand and the dashed board,using the span length like 40 to 45 meters andconcrete column raster of 6 to 8 meters. A mini-mum free space between the ice surface and thebottom of steel trusses should be at least 6 meters.

In order to avoid serious problems withhumidity, like corrosion etc. the mechanical andelectrical plant must be equipped with a dehu-midification system.

3.4.2 Envelope, roofingThe main function of an ice rink envelope

is air tightness and not particularly thermal insula-tion. The envelope structure can be done most effi-ciently to fulfil only that one main characteristic.


23

LayoutFour of the six dressing rooms with showers

are under the seat along the long side of the halland the other two dressing rooms at the end ofthe hall. On top of these two dressing rooms thereare office rooms, lecture room, cafeteria, TV standand air conditioner. Technical room (refrigerationunit) is placed in a separate container outside ofthe rink.

StructuresThe mast-supported grid constructure of

the rink is made of glue laminated timber. Theroofing and the walls are made of polyurethaneelements. To improve the energy efficiency ofthe rink the air tight polyurethane elements areequipped with low emissivity coating laminatedon the indoor surface of the elements. The ele-ments have also acoustic dressing which improvesthe acoustic atmosphere of the rink. The facadesare made of profiled metal sheets.

In this manual we will concentrate on astructural system of a grid supported by columnsand the materials for this structural system can bedivided into four main categories:• Steel structures• Wood structures• Reinforced concrete structures• Mix material structures of steel, wood and/or

concrete

Steel support

+ long span length+ global availability+ pre-fab system+ cost

- corroding- fire protection- maintenance

Wood support

+ long span length+ non corroding+ pre-fab system+ fire protection

- global availability- cost- maintenance- decaying

Reinforced concrete

+ global availability+ non corroding+ pre-fab system+ fire protection

- cost- beam span length- acoustic feature- flexibility in use

Mix materialcombinations

+ long span length+ fire protection+ pre-fab system+ cost

- corroding- decaying- cost- maintenance

Materials and structural system

Figure 5. Material features of main supporters.

Figure 6. Typical roof structure.

Cladding, externalmetal sheet

Thermal insulation

Vapour barrier

Load bearing metal sheet

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possible and reasonable, the best flexibility in usewith either steel or wood frame structures. How-ever through careful and skilled engineering thelater changes of the supporting structure are alsopossible with all other materials and systems.

In the design phase all structural capabili-ties of the building for later enlargement shouldbe defined in combination with the size of theplot, traffic situation and possible changes in thesurrounding.

By becoming aware of the special featuresof an ice rink, there are several possibilities tooptimise the ice rink construction costs that willalso lower the later operational costs.

Most used roofing structures consist of followinglayers:• Profiled, load bearing steels sheets• Vapour barrier• Thermal insulation (10 cm to 15 cm rock wool)• Water insulation

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Rink pipe material (plastic/metal) and spacesizing are questions of optimisation of investmentsvs. energy. The cooling pipes are mounted quitenear the surface, in a concrete slab the mountingdepth is normally 20–30 mm and the mountingspace between the pipes is 75–125 mm. The rinkpipes are connected to the distribution and col-lection mains, which are laid along the rink shortor long side outside the rink. Rink pipes are laid inU-shape and they are mounted to the surfacinglayer by simply binding the pipes directly to theconcrete reinforcement or to special rails.

3.4.3 Envelope, wallsThe outside wall structure of an ice rink is

commonly also based on the idea of air tightnessand the simplest walling is done by using differentmetal sheet panels. These panels are simple, pre-fabricated sandwich elements, that have insidea core of thermal insulation of rock wool orpolyurethane and both sides covered with metalsheets.

These panels also allow later changes ofthe envelope very easily and with rather low addi-tional costs.

These metal sheet panels are deliveredwith a long range of length up to 8 meters each,in large scale of different colours and surfacetreatment. A harmful aspect by using these metalsheet panels is a rather poor resistance againstmechanical exertion like hits of the hockey pucksinside or vandalism.

Therefore it is recommended to use in alower partition of outside wall sandwich elementsof concrete and replace them over 2.5 meterheight with metal sheet panels.

3.4.4 Ice pad structurePerhaps the most special structure in an ice

rink is the ice pad. The ice pad consists of groundlayers below the pad, thermal insulation, pipingand pad itself. New technologies have made pos-sible the use of new materials and technical solu-tions in these structures, where at the same timethe energy efficiency and construction costs couldbe optimised.

The most common surfacing materials is:• Concrete

However sand surface is cheapest and fairlyenergy economical because of the good heattransfer characteristics but the usability is limitedto ice sports. Asphalt surfaces are suitable forsome special needs, for example in the case thatthe facility is used for tennis off the ice sportseason. Asphalt is cheaper than concrete but therefrigeration energy requirement is higher.

Figure 9. Typical ice pad construction.

Figure 8. Typical wall structure.

metal sheet panel 100 mm

500 mm

30 mm

Ice30 mm

Concrete120 mm

Insulation100 mm

Gravel fill500 mm

Foundation soil500 mm

Cooling pipes

Heating pipesfor ground

frost protec-tion

prefab concrete sandwich concrete unit

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3.5 Mechanical and electrical plantThe effective utilization of the energy re-

sources has become an important aspect in thedesign of new facilities. There are many differentenergy conservation measures that can be incor-porated in the planning stage. In planning thehardware configuration and construction of anice rink, it is important to consider the types ofactivities, special requirements and interest of thevarious user groups in question. Table 1 summarisethe main indoor air design values, which canbe used in designing technical building services. Itis important to set these values already in thepre-design stage in order to control the demands.

U-shaped rink piping

Distribution and collectionmains along the short side

Figure 10. Collectors along the short side of the ice rink.

U-shaped rink piping

Distribution and collectionmains along the long side

Figure 11. Collectors along the long side of the ice rink.

Figure 12. Plastic rink piping connections to the distri-bution and the collection mains (thermally insulated).

Action Air temperature of Ice temperature, ºC Max. relative humidity Min. fresh air intakethe rink space ºC of the rink space (%) l/s/occupant

Rink (at 1.5 m Tribuneheight) (operative)

Hockey- game +6 +10.+15 -5 70 4...8 / spectator- training +6 +6. +15 -3 70 12 / playerFigure- competition +12 +10.+15 -4 70 4...8 / spectator- training +6 +6. +15 -3 70 12 / skaterOther +18 +18 - - 8 / person

Indoor air design values for small ice rink (rink space).

3.5.1 Refrigeration plantRefrigeration plant is fundamental to the

ice-rink facility. Much used, but true, phrase is thatthe refrigeration unit is the heart of the ice rink.Almost all of the energy-flows are connected tothe refrigeration process in one way or another. Itis quite normal that the electricity consumption ofthe refrigeration system accounts for over 50 % ofthe total electricity consumption and the heat lossof the ice can be over 60 % of the total heatingdemand of an ice rink.

In the design stage, when choosing the re-frigeration unit one has to consider the econom-ics, energy usage, environment, operation, main-tenance and safety.

The design of the refrigeration plant can beeither so-called direct or indirect system. In a directsystem the rink piping works as the evaporator,whereas an indirect system is comprised of sepa-rate evaporator (heat exchanger) and the ice padis indirectly cooled by special coolant in closedcirculation loop. The energy efficiency of the directsystem is in general better than the efficiency ofthe indirect system. On the other hand the firstcost of the direct system is higher than that of theindirect system. Moreover indirect systems can’tbe used with for example ammonia in severalcountries because of health risks in the case ofrefrigerant leaks. Table 2 summarises the advan-tages and disadvantages of the different systems.

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In most cases the refrigeration plant com-prises the refrigerant circuit refrigerates an indirectsystem i.e. the floor by a closed brine circuit ratherthan directly. The refrigerant used in the compres-sor loop should be environmentally accepted, forexample natural substances like ammonia (NH3)and carbon dioxide (CO2) or HFC refrigerants suchas R134a, R404A and R407A. The tendency is tofavour in natural substances of HFCs. In choosingthe refrigerant the country-specific regulations mustbe taken into account. The operational aspect isto equip the compressor with reasonable automa-tion, which enables demand-controlled runningof the system. In addition, the safety factors shouldbe incorporated in the design of the machineroom.

From the energy point of view it is a matterof course that the compressor unit should be asefficient as possible, not only in the design pointbut also under part-load conditions.

When estimating the energy economy ofthe system it is essential to focus on the entiresystem and not only on one component alone.The refrigeration plant is an integral part of the icerink, Figure 12.

Design and dimensioning aspectsThe refrigeration plant is dimensioned ac-

cording to cooling load and the required evapora-tion and condenser temperatures. For a standardsingle ice rink approximately 300–350 kW of refrig-eration capacity is adequate.

The refrigeration capacity is normally sizedaccording to the heat loads during the ice makingprocess. The dimensioning cooling load duringthe freezing period is comprised of the followingcomponents:• Cooling the ice pad construction down to the

operating temperature in required time. Neededcooling capacity depends on the temperature ofthe structures at the beginning of the freezing andthe required freezing time (normally 48 hours).

• Cooling the temperature of the flooded waterto the freezing temperature (0 ºC) and thenfreezing the water to form the ice and to coolthe temperature of the ice to the operating tem-perature. The freezing capacity depends on thetemperature of the water, the operating tem-perature of the ice and the required freezingtime (48 hours).

• Heat radiation between the rink surface and thesurrounding surfaces. Cooling capacity dependson the surface temperatures during the freezingperiod.

• Convective heat load between the rink surfaceand the air. Cooling capacity depends on the airand rink surface temperatures both the airstream velocity along the rink surface during thefreezing period.

• Latent heat of the condensing water vapourfrom the air to the rink surface. Cooling capacity

QCO

QEV

QEL

Condenser

Compressor

Automation

Indoor climate• air temperature• ceiling temperature and material• air humidity• ice temperature

Pad structure• ice thickness• slab thickness and thermal properties• pipe material and sizing• cooling liquid properties• frost insulation• frost protection heating

Refrigeration unit• evaporating and condensing temperatures• efficiency• compressor type• sizing• refrigerant

Evaporator

Figure 12. Refrigeration unit and related energy flows.

Features of direct and indirect refrigeration plant.

Direct system Indirect system+ Energy efficiency + Use of factory made refrigeration units+ Simple + Small refrigerant filling (environmentally positive)

+ Suitable to any refrigerant

- Not possible with certain refrigerants (ammonia) - Lower energy efficiency than with direct system- Installation costs - Need of professional skills in design and in installing

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depends on the air humidity (water vapour pres-sure) and the surface temperature of the rinkduring the freezing period.

• Radiation heat load on rink surface during thefreezing period (lights etc.).

• Pump-work of the coolant pump.

3.5.1.1 Refrigeration unitRefrigeration unit is comprised of many

components: compressor(s), evaporator, condenser,and expansion valve and control system.

The function of the compressor is to keepthe pressure and temperature in the evaporatorlow enough for the liquid refrigerant to boil offat a temperature below that of the medium sur-rounding the evaporator so that heat is absorbed.In the compressor the vapour is raised to highpressure and high enough temperature to beabove that of the cooling medium so that heatcan be rejected in the condenser. After the con-densation the liquid refrigerant is throttled in theexpansion valve back to the pressure of the evap-orator. In other words the compressor ”pumps“

Figure 13. Two screw compressors.

Ground frost protection

Dehumidification

Hot water storage

Floor heater

Condenser

Ventilation unit

Outdoor cooling coil

Refrigeration unit

Ice pad Evaporator

Cooling pipesCompressorcooling

Figure 14. Refrigeration plant with heat recovery: preheating of hot water, floor heating and air heating.

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heat from the rink to the surroundings, which issimilar process to a normal fridge.

There are different types of refrigerationcompressors on the market of which recipro-cating compressors and screw compressors arethe most common types. In most cases the com-pressors are electric driven. The refrigeration unitconsists normally of at least 2 compressors toguarantee flexible and economical use of the unit.

3.5.1.2 Ice padAnother interesting aspect in the energy-

chain is the heat resistance between the ice andthe brine, which has effect on the energy con-sumption. The underlying energy-thinking in theheat resistance is, the bigger the resistance is thelower the brine and evaporation temperature ofthe compressor should be in order to produce thesame cooling effect as with smaller resistance. Thelower the evaporation temperature is the biggerthe power need of the compressor. Heat resist-ance consists of five different parameters: (1) theso-called surface resistance of the ice surface,which is a combination of ceiling radiation andconvection as discussed earlier. (2) Heat resistanceof the ice, mainly dependent on the ice thickness.(3) Likewise the ice, the concrete slab or any othersurfacing material constitutes heat resistancebased on the thickness of the layer and theheat conductivity of the material involved. (4) Pipematerial and pipe spacing in the floor. (5) Surfaceresistance between the pipe and fluid.

The function of secondary coolants is totransfer heat from the rink to the evaporator inthe refrigeration unit. The profile of the perfectcoolant would be: environmentally friendly, non-toxic, low pumping costs, high efficiency (goodheat transfer characteristics), and non-corrosive,

cheap and practical. Quite a variety of coolantsare in use, table 2 summarize the most commonof them.

In the construction of the ice pad theground frost insulation and in some cases groundheating is necessary (condenser waste-heat canbe used for heating). Ground frost will build upalso in warm climates where frost normally is nota problem. If the ground is frost-susceptible andthe frost may cause uneven frost heave of the icepad. The pad will be damaged by the frost andfrost heave makes it more difficult to maintain theice and will impede the utilisation of the facilityto other sports (tennis, basketball) over the ice-free period. Moreover, un-insulated pad increasesenergy consumption of the refrigeration.

3.5.2 Air conditioning It is highly recommended to use mechanical

ventilation in ice rink facilities to ensure healthyand safe indoor air conditions. The air-handlingunit(s) provides fresh air to the ice rink and otherpremises and it is also used for heating purposesand even to dehumidify the ice rink air. Fresh airintake is necessary to maintain good air quality.Air quality is affected by the emissions of thepeople, the building materials and the ice resur-facer especially when the resurfacer is run by com-bustion engine (gas or gasoline).

The building is divided into two thermalzones: the ice rink and the public areas. The sim-plest and safe way is to equip the facility with twoventilation units, one for the rink area and one forthe public areas.

The energy-saving factor in ventilation canbe found in the demand-controlled fresh-air intakeand in optimising the airflow rates according tothe needs for minimizing the fan power.

Secondary coolant RemarksGlycols High pumping costs, low efficiency, easy to handle• Ethylene glycol• Propylene glycol

Salts Low pumping costs, high efficiency, unpractical• calcium chloride (CaCl2)

Formats Low pumping costs, high efficiency, corrosive, expensive• Potassium formats• Potassium acetates

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Secondary coolants.


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3.5.3 DehumidificationThe moisture loads are due to the occu-

pants (skaters, audience), outdoor air moisture,evaporating floodwater of the ice resurfacing andcombustion driven ice resurfacer. The biggestmoisture load is the water content of the outdoorair which enters the ice rink through ventilationand as uncontrolled air infiltration leakage throughopenings (doors, windows), cracks and intersticesin constructions caused by pressure effects duringoperation.

Excess air humidity increases the risk of rotgrowth on wooden structures and corrosion riskof metals thus shortening the service lifetime ofthe construction components and materials, whichmeans increased maintenance costs. High humiditylevels cause also indoor air problems by enablingthe growth of mould and fungus on the surfacesof the building structures. In the following tablesmaximum allowable ice rink air humidity ratesare presented to avoid indoor air problems anddepraving of constructions.

There are two primary ways to removemoisture from the air: cool the air below its dewpoint to condense the water vapour, or pass theair over a material that absorbs (chemical dehu-midification) water.

T�

Ice Rink

= + 10°C

CO2 = 1000 ppm= + 60%

Damper FilterFan

Damper Filter Heat recoverycoil

Heatingcoil

FanCooling/dehumidification

coil

Figure 15. Schematic diagram of an ice rink air-conditioning system with dehumidification and heat recovery coils.

Ice rink air Maximum relative airtemperature, °C humidity, %5 9010 8015 7020 60

Air temperature and humidity criteria to avoid fog.

Temperature, °C Relative humidity, %Rot 50–5 >90–95Mould 55–0 >75–95

Air temperature and humidity criteria for rot andmould damages of wooden structures.

Temperature, °C Relative humidity, %>0 >80

Corrosion criteria for metals.

Systems that cool the air below its dewpoint use normally mechanical refrigeration. Air ispassed over a cooling coil causing a portion of themoisture in the air to condense on the coils' sur-face and drop out of the airflow. Cooling coil canalso be integrated in the ventilation unit and in theice refrigeration circuit.

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Chemical dehumidification is carried outthrough the use of absorbent materials, which areeither solids or liquids that can extract moisturefrom the air and hold it.

Desiccant dehumidification system, figure14, consists of a slowly rotating disk, drum orwheel that is coated or filled with an absorbent(often silica gel). Moist air is drawn into the facilityand passed across one portion of the wheelwhere the desiccant absorbs moisture from theair. As the wheel slowly rotates, it passes througha second heated air stream. Moisture that wasabsorbed by the desiccant is released into theheated air, reactivating the desiccant. The warmmoist air is then exhausted from the facility.

3.5.4 HeatingHeating system is needed to maintain

comfortable thermal conditions for both the play-ers and the audience. Heating is also advanta-geous in controlling the humidity of the ice rink in

order to avoid fog and ceiling dripping problems.Moreover heat is needed for hot water produc-tion (ice resurfacing, showers), and in some casesfor melting waste-ice that is the consequence ofthe ice resurfacing process.

Waste-heat recoveryCompressor waste-heat recovery can cover

almost all of the heating demand of a training rinkin most operating situations. When designing theheat recovery system, the relatively low temper-ature level should be taken into account. Thetemperature level of the waste heat is normallyaround 30–35 °C, small portion of the waste heat,so-called super heat, can be utilized at a highertemperature level. Waste heat can be utilized inthe heating of the resurfacing water, in the heat-ing of the rink, heating the fresh air, to pre-heatthe tap water and to melt the snow and ice slushof the resurfacing process.

3.5.5 Electric systemElectricity is needed to run the facility: in

the refrigeration, in lighting, in air conditioning, incafeteria etc. Electrical installation comprises adistribution and transformer central. Emergencylighting and guide lights must work also on occa-sions of power cuts. Emergency power can besupplied by diesel-fuelled generators or by batteryback-up system. In most cases it is worthwhileavoiding the reactive power by capacitive com-pensation.

LightingLights are traditionally grouped according

to their operational principle to incandescenceand burst illuminates. In general incandescent lampsare suitable only to general lighting (except maybethe halogen lamps). Characteristics to incandes-cent lamps are high demand for electricity com-pared to the illumination, short service lifetime,good colour rendering and good controllability.Burst illuminates feature high efficiency, long ser-vice lifetime but poor controllability.

Recently, many products have been devel-oped that may be incorporated at the designstage. One such a product is the compact fluores-cent lamp, which can be used instead of incan-descent lamps. The superiority of the fluorescentlamps is a result of high-luminous efficacy (more

Cooling system

Cooling coil

Humid airfrom ice rink

Dry air toice rink

Supply fan

Figure 16. Condensing dehumidification process.

DESICCANTWHEEL

Hot moist air out

Exhaust fan Electric orgas heater

Regenerationair in

Humid airfrom ice rink

Motor

Warm dry airto ice rink

Supply fan

Desiccantwheel

Figure 17. Desiccant dehumidification process.

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light per watt) and long life expectancy comparedwith the standard incandescent lamps. The elec-tronic ballast connected with the standard fluo-rescent lamp technology will decrease the operat-ing cost 25 % compared with standard systems.The use of occupancy sensors to automaticallyshut lights off and on is a sure way of reducingelectrical use. The ice-surface lighting system isadvantageous to design such that the illuminationcan be changed flexibly according to the need.

3.5.6 Acoustics and noise controlMinimum acoustical quality of an ice rink

should enable clear and understandable speakingeven amplified spoken words and music. Thereforeenvironmental acoustics must also be included inthe design process. The importance of the acousticsis emphasized in multi purpose rinks. The mostsignificant acoustical parameter is the reverbera-tion time, which should be low enough (< 3 s).Too high background noise level caused by venti-lation and compressors (inside) or traffic (outside)has also negative effects on the acoustical indoorenvironment. In some cases it is also necessary totake into account the noise caused by the ice rinkfacility to its surroundings. Outdoor condenserfans and even the sounds of an ice hockey gamemay cause disturbing noise.

3.5.7 Building automation and informationsystems

Modern automation systems enable de-mand-controlled operation of different systems,such as ventilation rates, ice rink air temperatureand humidity, ice temperature, etc. An automa-tion system enables functional and economicaluse of the different systems of the ice rink. Besidesthese traditional benefits of the building energymanagement system, there are other functions

that can be emphasized such as information andsecurity systems, Figure 7.

3.5.8 Water and sewer systemWater is needed in showers, toilets, and

cafeterias, cleaning and as flood and ice resur-facing water etc. Warm water system must beequipped with re-circulation to ensure short wait-ing times of warm water and to prohibit the riskof bacterial growth. Because of the legion Ella risk

Type Applicability Power range LifeCompact fluorescent lamps General lighting 5–55 W 8000–12 000 h Good energy efficiencyStandard fluorescent lamps General lighting 30–80 W 20 000 h Good energy efficiency

Rink lightingMetal halide lamps Rink lighting 35–2000 W 6000–20 000 h Good for rink lightingHigh pressure sodium lamps Rink lighting 50–400 W 14 000–24 000 h Poor colour renderingInduction lamps Rink lighting 55–165 W 60 000 h Long life, expensive (so far)Halogen lamps Special lighting 20–2000 W 2000–4000 h Excellent colour rendering,

good dimming capabilities

Available lamps for ice rink facility.

Propertymanagement

Booking Maintenance Alerts Audio - Visual

Facility management

Safety and supervision

Information system

Server

Server

InternetWeb browseruser interface

È Mobileuser interface

Refrige-ration

Lights Controls LightsMeas-urements

Wireless connectionBus connection

Pumps&

fans

Figure 18. Advanced information and automation systems of anice rink.

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the hot water must be heated at least up to+55 ºC. Waste-heat from the refrigeration plantcan be utilized to lower the energy consumptionof hot water for example to heat the resurfacingwater and to pre-heat the hot water.

In the sewer system of an ice rink there aretwo special systems to be taken care of, namelythe rink melted water drainage and the meltingpit of waste-ice. Surface water drains for meltedwater from ice defrosting is required outside andaround the rink.

3.6 Energy consumption optimisationEnergy consumption of the refrigeration

unit is subjected to the heat loads of the ice. Ceil-ing radiation is generally the largest single compo-nent of the heat loads. Other ice heat-load com-ponents are: the convective heat load of the ice rinkair temperature, lighting, ice maintenance, groundheat, humidity condensing from the air onto theice, and pump-work of the cooling pipe network.

The amount of heat radiated to the ice iscontrolled by the temperatures of the ceiling andice surface and by proportionality factor calledemissive. Materials that are perfect radiators ofheat would have an emissive of 1, while materialsthat radiate no heat would have an emissive of 0.In new facilities, using low-emissive material inthe surface of the ceiling can reduce the ceilingradiation. Most building materials have an emissiverate near 0.9. The most common low-emissivematerial used in ice rinks is aluminium foil. It is thelow emissive property (emissive as low as 0.05) ofthe aluminium foil facing the ice that makes thissystem so effective. Moreover, the low-emissivesurface reduces heating demand and improvesthe lighting conditions of the rink.

The temperature level of the ice rink airhas a significant effect on both the electricity con-sumption of the refrigeration unit and on theheating energy need. The higher the air tempera-ture is, the warmer the ceiling is, which increasesthe ceiling radiation as well as the convective heatload of the ice. The convective heat load is relativeto the temperature difference between the airtemperature and ice-surface temperature and theair velocity above the ice. The most effective wayto reduce convective heat load is to keep the icetemperature as high as possible and the air tem-perature as low as possible.

The other operational parameters, besidesthe ice rink air temperature, which affects theelectricity consumption of the compressor andthe heating energy consumption is the ice tem-perature and ice thickness. Rising of 1°C of the icetemperature gives 40-60 MWh savings in electric-ity and 70-90 MWh savings in heating per year inyear-round operation. The thickness of the icetends to increase in use. Increasing ice thicknessbrings about higher electricity consumption of therefrigeration unit and makes the maintenance ofthe ice more difficult. Recommended ice thicknessis about 3 centimetres. The thickness of the ice mustbe controlled weekly in order to maintain theoptimal thickness.

Ice resurfacing is one of the highest heatloads of the ice after the ceiling radiation and con-vection. This load, imposed by the resurfacing ofice with flood water in the range of 30 °C to 60 °Cand 0.4 to 0.8 m3 of water per one operation, canaccount for as much as 15 % of the total refriger-ation requirements. A lower floodwater volumeand temperature should be used so reducing therefrigeration electrical use and the cost of heatingthe water.

The humidity of the ice rink air tends tocondense on the cold ice surface. This phenomenonis mainly dependent on the outdoor air conditionsand can be overcome by dehumidification of theice rink air. Condensation is normally not so im-portant from the energy consumption point ofview. Instead, humidity problems may occur froma dripping ceiling or as fog above the ice. Humidityproblems are one indication of the possible mois-ture damage in the structures and thus must betaken seriously.

Lighting forms a radioactive heat load onthe ice, which is relative to the luminous efficacyof the lamps.

Warm soil under the floor is a minor heatload on the refrigeration, which can be dealt withsufficient insulation between the soil and thecooling pipes.

The system pump-work is a heat load onthe refrigeration system due to the friction in thecooling pipes and in the evaporator. Pump-workis affected by the cooling liquid used (there areseveral alternatives), pipe material and hydraulicsizing of the pipe network and the evaporator.

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3.6.1 Case studies of energy consumptionEnergy consumption of a standard small

ice rink depends mainly on the thermal conditionsboth inside (air and ice temperature) and outside(climate). In the following the effect of climaticconditions on the energy consumption of a stan-dard ice rink facility is studied. The differencesof the energy consumption, both electricity andheating, between the same prototype ice rinkis studied in three locations: Helsinki (Finland),Munich (Germany) and Miami (USA). The techni-cal description of the prototype ice rink is given inthe previous section.

Figure 19. Studied ice rink locations: Helsinki (Finland), Munich (Germany) and Miami (USA).

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Miami Munich Helsinki

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1. Electric energy consumptionThe electric energy consumption of the ice rinkconsists of ice refrigeration, rink lighting, airconditioning and heating systems (fans andpumps), public space lighting, different appli-ances, cleaning etc. The refrigeration processconsumes some half of the total electricity useof a small ice rink. In warm and humid condi-tions the dehumidification of the rink air playsalso a big role in the energy consumption. Theelectricity consumption of the dehumidificationsystem depends on the selected system: desic-cant dehumidifiers consume mainly heat energy,

Figure 20. Electric energy consumption of the ice rink facility with (dashed lines) and without dehumidification.In the case of the dehumidification the ice refrigeration system is supposed to be used for the dehumidification.

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Figure 21. Electric consumption spectrum of the prototype ice rink in Munich. Annual electricity consumption is960 MWh with mechanical dehumidification (900 MWh without dehumidification).

� Refrigeration plant 57%

� Rink lighting 9%

� Rink ventilation 6%

� Dehumidifier (condensing) 6%

� Other 8%

� Public areas 14%

melted in a special melting pit before drainingit and melting requires also heating. In somecases the waste ice can be just driven outsideor even be re-used for example to build ski tracks.Depending of the climatic conditions the heatflows can be either negative or positive. For ex-ample in Miami the outdoor climate is so hot allaround the year that the ventilation, air infiltra-tion and conductive heat flows heat the ice rinkspace and actually the only cooling load is the

which can be produced with gas or some otherfuel but also electricity is possible, mechanicaldehumidifiers (separate heat pump or ice refrig-eration system) use usually electricity.

2. Heating energy consumptionHeating energy need is the sum of the heatingneed of the ventilation and infiltration air aswell as the cooling effect of the ice and theconductive heat flows through the exterior en-velope. The heat loads of the occupants, lightsand other equipment are taken into accountwhen determining the heating energy need ofthe ice arena. In many cases the waste ice(slush) of the ice resurfacing process must be


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Figure 22. Heating energy need of the ice rink and heat from the refrigeration condensers (dashed lines) in differentclimates (Miami, Munich and Helsinki).

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Electricity spectrum

� Space heating 57%

� Air leakage 3%

� Dehumidification 11%

� Slush melting 10%

� Public areas 10%

� Hot water 7%

� Rink ventilation 2%


ice. The cooling effect of the ice is still biggerthan the heat loads and thus the rink must beheated even in Miami. The ice refrigeration produces continuouslylarge amount of heat and this heat can be uti-lized in heating: directly to space heating andsupply air heating, pre-heating of hot water forice resurfacing and showers, slush melting,ground heating (frost protection) under theice pad and in the dehumidification processes.Condenser energy can save a great portion ofthe annual heating costs.


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Figure 24. Moisture removal of the dehumidification system in order to maintain the required indoor air conditions(temperature +10º and relative humidity 65 %).

Figure 23. Spectrum of heating energy need of the prototype ice rink in Munich. Annual heating need is 1100 MWh.Most of the heating need can be covered by free condenser heat of the ice refrigeration.

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Energy spectrum of heating need

3. DehumidificationThe local weather conditions determine thedehumidification need and this affects also theenergy use of the facility. This can be seen infigure x, where the moisture removal need ismuch higher in Miami where the climate ishot and humid compared to the colder anddrier climates in Munich and in Helsinki. Thedehumidification need is also affected by theventilation need, air tightness of the buildingenvelope and moisture load of the occupants.

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4. Water consumptionWater consumption is formed of the ice resur-facing water and sanitary water. Shower andtoilet use dominate sanitary water consumption.In some cases treated water is used for coolingthe condensers of the ice refrigeration plant. Thisis the case especially during the summer oper-ation even in cold climates. Direct use of treatedwater should be avoided as far as possible forthis purpose because of high operation costs.

3.7 Environmental effectsMost of the environmental loads and im-

pacts of an ice rink during its life cycle are due tothe transport and the energy (electricity and heat)and water use. It is impossible to give exact orgeneral figures of the loads for example becauseof the variety of energy production profiles ineach case. In the following some results of the en-vironmental load calculations in Finland are given.


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Figure 25. Water consumption including the ice resurfacing water and sanitary water without the possible con-denser flush water of the ice refrigeration. Water consumption rate is the same for all the studied three cases.Annual water consumption is 2500 m3.

Greenhouse gas emissions Acidifying emissionsg/m2, CO2 esq g/m2, CO2 esq3 000 000 7500

Environmental loads of an ice rink in Finland based bylife cycle analysis (LCA) of the rink (50 years) excludingtransport.1

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37

In the analysed case 91% of the green-house gas emissions and 74% of the acidifyingemissions were due to energy usage during thelife cycle (50 years).1

The ecology of an ice rink can be improved by• Using reusable and renewable materials and

components in construction• Minimizing the energy use (heat recovery, effi-

cient appliances, renewable energy sources)• Minimizing the distance between the rink and

the users (town planning)• Enabling public transport (storerooms for the

equipment by the rink)

Figure 26. An example of the use of the naturalresources of a junior ice hockey team in Finland basedon MIPS calculation. MIPS - material input per service,kg/active skating hour.2

1 Vaahterus T., Saari A. Environmental Loads of a Finnish indoor trainingice-skating rink in the Context of LCA. Helsinki University of Technology,Publications 194, Espoo 2001. ISBN 951-22-5465-4, ISSN 1456-9329.(In Finnish).

2 Kiekko-Nikkarit Ry.

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� Transport by cars 65%

� Energy and water 30%

� Construction 4%

� Equipment of the players 1%

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4.1 IntroductionThere are a lot of construction projects for

new buildings of any use running all around theworld continuously. The operation of these com-ing facilities is based on earlier experience of theinvestors. From this point of view, the decision-making is rather simple, even if the decision makersare not professionals in the construction business.

Ice rinks are special type of buildings andshould be treated as such. Unfortunately, thereare still plenty of new ice rinks and arenas beingdeveloped without the input of specialists. In theseprojects, there is the potential for major problemsduring the process of construction and operation.In order to have a proper cost and operationstructure for a new ice rink project, the specialfeatures of an ice rink must be known, under-stood and taking care of.

A modern ice rink needs special tools tocontrol the indoor climate, especially the temper-ature and humidity factors. These features are notcomparable to common buildings. If one does nottake these elements into into consideration theymight cause remarkable problems in a very shorttime. This means within 2 to 3 years. Too highhumidity of the indoor climate can easily causeserious corroding problems in steel structures anddecay in wooden structures.

Saving costs in the wrong area will lead toserious damage in a short period of time. Even ina country like Finland, where some hundred icerinks have been built in last thirty years, some

wood framed ice rinks have major decay damageonly 4 years after the completion, due to ignoringthe humidification issue in the mechanical plant.

The continuous increasing demand of thepublic is resulting in a higher requirement forthe quality of the ice rink indoor climate. To havethe temperature just above the ice surface on -4degrees centigrade, but +18 degrees centigradeonly a few meters behind the dasher board on thefirst seating row are common requirements inmany ice rinks and arenas.

Technical solutions that are too simple cancause extremely high operational costs. Advancedtechnology can reduce energy consumption andoperating costs by up to 50 per cent in existingand proposed arena facilities, while also improv-ing the indoor climate for the customers.

Energy costs make it necessary to strive forenergy efficiency. This element plays a key role inthe decision to invest in a new ice rink. The latersuccess with respect to the operational costs ismade in the design phase. A clever design in com-bination, with the right technical features andskilled maintenance personnel will have a consid-erable effect on the level of operating costs.

The idea of this manual is to offer technicaland financial guidelines for a ”small“, modern icerink, which is not the most low-priced and simplefacility. This prototype is a customer-based facilitythat gives operators and investors the opportunityto operate an economically successful facility, whileproviding the customer with high-level service andwide range of activities.

The IIHF prototype ice rink provides apalette of services for on ice and dry floor possi-bilities as mentioned in Chapter 2. Like in majormulti-purpose arenas, it will be rather easy tochange the ice surface quickly into a dry-floorfacility.

4.2 Construction costsThe different structural solutions, materials

and equipment for building services have a greatimpact on the construction costs. The IIHF work-ing group has made the decision to design an IIHFice rink prototype. The result of this decision isthat the technical features are chosen, and alsothe structure, layout and volume of the facility.The technical features are described more detailedin chapters 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5 of this manual.

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4Economic profile of theIIHF ice rink prototypeChapter 4

Public skating and equipment rental are good ways to boost yourincome.


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IIHF prototype ice rinkLemminkäinen Construction Ltd.31.1.2002

Cost groups according to DIN 276 Preliminary cost estimate %

100 Site costs

200 Utilities

300 Construction costs 1,341,097 57.84310 Earth works 123,855320 Foundation (incl. ice pad) 265,825330 External walls 118,220340 Internal walls 138,240350 Ceilings 110,325360 Roofing 193,400370 Fittings 366,232390 Other construction works 25,000

400 Mechanical and electrical works 479,600 20.68410 Sewage, plumbing 79,200420 Heating 35,200430 Ventilation, Dehumidification 118,800440 Electricity, high voltage 110,000450 Telefommunication, data network, etc. 17,600460 Elevators 0470 Refrigeration unit 79,200480 Building automation 30,800490 Other M&E works 8,800

500 Site finishing 100,000 4.31510 Yard works 25,000520 Yard finishing 25,000530 External construction works 40,000540 External M&E works 10,000550 External fittings 0590 Other external works 0

600 Equipment 165,000 7.12610 Equipment (ice resurfacer, dasher board, score board etc.) 165,000

700 Design, project management 233,000 10.05710 Project supervisor 35,000720 Project preliminary costs 10,000730 Architect design and engineering 150,000740 Inspection fees etc. 8,000750 Art works 0760 Financing 0770 General project costs 25,000790 Other costs 5,000

Cost groups 100-700 total € 2,318,697 100.00

General project development costs (8%) € 197,089

Total project costs (netto) € 2,515,786

Some special notes:1) Cost structure finally depends on the operational construction realization (MC, CM, DMC...), calculation for location Munich, Germany2) Cost groups 100 and 200 must be defined separately based on the site characteristics

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This is a turn-key cost estimate for IIHFprototype ice rink. The IIHF working group wouldlike to underline that this cost calculation is nota cost guarantee in any form. This calculationmerely gives you as an investor, developer or sportsenthusiast, a good indication of the total costwhen you have decided to build a small ice rink.

Between continents and countries the con-struction costs are going to vary, even when weuse the same technical definitions. The cost esti-mate shown in the manual is based on the loca-tion in the city of Munich, Germany.

Please be aware that lower labour costs insome countries in comparison with the cost levelin Germany automatically lead to notable savings.In many cases the lower labour cost level is bal-anced by paying extra on import taxes of technicalequipment or by the increasing number of em-ployees because of the lack of machines.

The model of the cost calculation is basedon the German DIN 276 – form, which is widelybeen used in Central Europe. On the other hand itis rather easy to transform this cost estimate intoanother calculation form.

The costs of the site and the utilities are notincluded in the total summary. These are also theitems of the costs in order to have neutrality in thecost estimate.

4.3 Operational budget

4.3.1 ExpensesThe major utilities required in an ice rink

operation are electricity, gas, and water. Alsomonthly fees related to the external financing (seechapter 5), mortgage payments, should be lookedat on a case-by-case basis.

Maintaining a sheet of ice is a 24-hourcommitment. The owners cannot simply turn offthe electricity to the refrigeration plant when thebuilding is closed. There are proven methods toefficiently operate an ice rink.

It is also important to work with the localutility companies to establish favourable agree-ments for the facility. A common way to reducethe fixed costs is to negotiate partner agree-ments with a local telephone company or a localgarbage disposal company or other similar com-panies.

When making the budget for the opera-tional costs one should take into considerationthe tasks that could be fulfilled by volunteers. Thispossibility would improve cost reduction. The taskscould be:• Maintenance of the facility• Cleaning• Ice resurfacer maintenance

Also mechanical service contracts haveto be included. Specialised work that has to bedone by experts, which could include maintenanceof the refrigeration plant and the ice resurfacer.

List of monthly expenses✔ Financing costs✔ Utilities – electricity ✔ Utilities – gas ✔ Utilities – water, sewer ✔ Insurance - Liability and Property ✔ Real estate taxes ✔ Other taxes licenses and fees ✔ Telephone ✔ Office expenses ✔ Cleaning supplies ✔ Trash removal ✔ Facility maintenance ✔ Personnel costs

Personnel All ice facilities require a competent, well-

trained staff to help the rink succeed. As previ-ously noted, the cost to open an ice facility issubstantial. It is important to have a staff thatunderstands the ice business and can operate thefacility at maximum efficiency and profitability.Due to the fact that a single sheet facility mayoperate for 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, thefacility will need related man-hours to cover theoperation.

In some countries, it is possible to utilizevolunteer staff to cover many of the hours. How-ever one should be aware that volunteer workethics and expertise might be lacking. For a suc-cessful operation, the total number of staff can beadjusted. With larger public sessions or specialevents, a bigger staff will be necessary.

The rink manager is the key to a success-ful operation. The manager must oversee thewhole spectrum of activities and services andshould operate a customer-based operation. The

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other skating coaches, and coordinate all skatingprograms. A hockey director would operate in asimilar manner to manage the hockey operationsat the facility. If necessary, a marketing directormay be hired to promote the facility and themany diverse programs that are offered to thecommunity.

If the rink expands to include a concessionstand or a pro shop, both a concession managerand a pro shop manager would be required.

Personnel list✔ Rink Manager✔ Technical Staff (2)✔ Office Secretary✔ Part-time operations staff (2-3)✔ Part time maintenance staff

It is also to be noticed, that an ice rinkwith two ice pads can be operated with thesame amount of staff as the single ice surfacerinks. Other expenses, such as energy, can bereduced in comparison with the doubled usercapacity of the facility.


41

rink manager should be the driving force behindthe facility.

The duties of the manager in a single sheetoperation include, but are not limited to, thefollowing areas:

✔ Personnel Administration✔ Human Resource Management✔ Ice Scheduling✔ Ice Contracts✔ Marketing✔ Facility Maintenance✔ Budgeting

It is necessary to have at least two assis-tant rink managers (rink technicians). The as-sistant rink managers typically take care of theevenings and weekends at the facility. It is theirresponsibility to schedule part time staff, maintainthe facility, and serve as the main customerservice person for the public. They are also respon-sible for ice maintenance and resurfacing the ice.

A facility should also have one full time,multitalented secretary. The secretary fills a varietyof roles, including receptionist, registrar, and ac-countant. This person must also have knowledgeof all the programs offered at the rink, to immedi-ately answer questions from the general public.

In addition to this staff, a single sheet facil-ity may have 2 to 3 additional part time opera-tions staff that can drive the ice resurfacer, workevening or weekend shifts, maintain the buildingand keep it clean.

As the ice rink industry evolves andchanges, it is important to keep staff up to dateon the latest advancements in the industry. With aplan for staff training and education, rink oper-ators will have the opportunity to learn moreefficient and cost effective methods to running anice rink. A budget should be created to covertraining course registrations and expenses.

In many areas of the world, the usergroups such as the hockey or figure skating clubswill take responsibility for the programs on the ice.In other parts of the world, depending on the typeof rink operation and the region, there are severalother positions that may be added to the full timestaff. A skating director would handle all Learn toSkate and figure skating programs in the facility.This person would serve, as a teaching profes-sional in the Learn to Skate program, would hire

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� Water 4%

� Sewage 3%

� Electricity (energy cost) 27%

� Staff 50%

� Other costs 8%

� Maintenance 8%

Percentage of expenses

For an ice rink like the IIHF prototype,an average annual level of expenses in 2001 inEurope is between 300,000 € and 400,000 €.

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Percentage of incomes

4.3.2 IncomeIn order to operate successfully, ice rink

facilities must offer activities and programs foreveryone in the community. The more potentialusers the facility has, the greater the chances ofsuccess for the facility. There are many program-ming ideas that help rinks to prosper, but actualincome may vary greatly due to the local commu-nity, area or environment.

Another key to success is to offer program-ming that will allow your customers to stay withyour facility for a lifetime. A lifetime customerwould enter your facility as someone interested inskating, start in learn to skate lessons, decide toconcentrate on hockey or figure skating, competeas youth participants in their chosen sport, thenremain with your facility in adult recreationalhockey or figure skating programs.

Income categories✔ Youth Hockey Programs✔ Adult Hockey Programs✔ Group Skating Lessons✔ Public Skating✔ Schools✔ Contract Ice Rental✔ Figure Skating✔ Camps/Clinics✔ Parties/Special Events✔ Fairs, exhibitions✔ Advertising

It is also important to schedule your iceusage for success. There are several “best practices”to be followed, and suggested time frames arenoted with each programming option.

For an ice rink like IIHF prototype an aver-age annual level of incomes in 2001 in Europeis between 250,000 € and 350,000 €. Namingright, advertisements inside the ice rink and sellingrights can also be a great source of additionalincomes.

� Youth Hockey Programs 29%

� Adult Hockey Programs 25%

� Group Skating Lessons 10%

� Public Skating 13%

� Contract Ice Rental 12%

� Freestyle Figure Skating 6%

� Pick Up Hockey Sessions 2%

� Other Programs 3%

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5.1 Construction costs /Investment costs

As mentioned in the introduction, the con-struction of ice sports facilities in countries withan ice sports tradition used to be financed bylocal authority institutions. These institutions werefrequently supported with construction grants fromthe regional governments or central government.In its entirety, this investment money came solelyor mainly from tax revenue, and in some casesalso from the surpluses of national or regionalsports or other lotteries.

In the meantime, the economic situationof the public sector in most countries has changeddramatically. It started in the 1970’s due to theindustrial decline and the heavy burden of unem-ployment on society. Later the role of the govern-ment was debated and tasks that were usuallyappointed to these governments were now putin the hands of private organisations. The processof privatisation had started. The shifting fromgovernmental financing and operation to com-mercial organisations changed the managementphilosophy of sports facilities greatly as will bediscussed in 5.2.

In many places, the private sector hasemerged as a provider of ice sports. Investors havebeen found as a source of finance whom, ratherthan having their profits skimmed off by the taxauthorities, have enjoyed high tax write-offs (lossallocation). This kind of financial participation takesa weight off the investment budget. Due to lowinterest and loan repayment instalments, this hasyielded a lower burden on the current budget forfacility operation.

New ice sports facilities these days makeuse of entirely different forms of financing, manyof which fall within the concept of public-privatepartnership (PPP). This is where the public sectorand commercial industry search jointly for sourcesof finance. In this context, sports clubs can alsoact as private partners, by providing either fund-ing or manpower for construction and equippingactivities. There are nevertheless limits to thelatter, because work performed by the sports clubon a building with sophisticated engineering likean ice sports facility is generally only feasible for asmall number of construction and technical tasks.

On PPP projects, the private side is put in amore profitable position than was possible in thepast through the free provision of building land by

the local authority (or by the payment of a tokenfee). If the design and construction of the buildingis controlled by a commercial operator, certainlegal obstacles can be evaded, e.g. the guidelines(regulations) for State-awarded contracts. If theconstruction and engineering services are correctlydesigned and specified, construction costs can bereduced without any diminution of quality. Thisreduces overall project expenditure, the interestand repayment instalments are lower, and theoperating costs are less heavily burdened yearafter year.

The preparation of a public-private con-struction project does not differ qualitatively fromearlier forms of project financing and realisationat all. The analyses of demand for such a facility,and of the required space and rooms are the sameas before. The design and tendering procedurerequire the same care (see above) and the com-panies for construction and interior finish must beselected according to the same criteria as in thepast. For the public partner it is important to reachuser-friendly agreements early on with the privatepartner concerning opening hours and sociallyacceptable pricing. Of course, the private partnerwill not enter into agreements that put at risk theachievement of a surplus in facility operation.

A special form of PPP is the leasing of aproperty for a period of, say, 20 years with anoption of renewing the agreement or buying backthe property. Given favourable terms and reliablepartners, a leasing agreement also ensures thatthe ice sports facility remains in immaculate struc-tural and technical condition throughout the termof the leasing.

5.2 Operational costs Chapter 4.2 and 4.3 described the main

construction and annual costs of the IIHF Proto-type Ice Rink with a standard 30 x 60 m ice padand a program of operational and other ancillaryrooms, which is not too lavish but fully meets theneeds of a modern facility. The possible but locallydivergent initial position there is clearly indicatedby the span of the different figures in the expen-diture and income positions. The expenditure sidedepends on the structural and technical quality ofthe facility, the level of staff costs, and the variousenergy, water and disposal charges. The incomeside is affected by such factors as the location,

FinancingChapter 5

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population density, awareness rating and interestin ice sports, admission pricing, opening hoursand numbers of users.

The successful operation of the facility inthe long term can only be ensured if the revenuesurplus covers the interest and repayment instal-ments as well as sufficient upkeep of the buildingand its installations. Although the latter will benegligible in the first few years, initially lowreserves should be set aside from the outset.

A continuous theme is that of the qualityof the work performed by the various trades. Atthis point, it is important to highlight the effectthat appropriate (not excessive) quality can haveon a building’s life cycle. Usually it can be assumedthat 20 % of costs arise by construction and 80 %by operation and maintenance – from the start ofconstruction through disposal. If, instead, only 4 %more is spent on the initial investment, operatingand maintenance costs are reduced to 70 %. Thisrepresents an appreciable cut in annually recur-ring costs.

The possibility of intense year-round useis a necessary condition for considering the con-struction of such a facility. Only high capacityutilisation rates can warrant the investment andrecurring annual overhead and maintenance costsassociated with an adequately staffed, state-of-the-art facility of this type.

The construction of an ice rink should beconsidered wherever the following basic prerequi-sites are met: In moderate climate zones, such asCentral Europe, indoor ice rinks with artificialice should be sited in communities with between20,000 and 50,000 inhabitants, depending on thetradition of ice sports in that particular region. Thepopulation density per square kilometre should beat least 150 within a 12-kilometer radius.

Chapter5

ice rink design.pdf

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