ICE101 Typical Ice Sheet Sizes

ICE basic components of101 ice arena systems and design

For more information, contact Tom Betti, Partner and Architect at 292 Design Group. [email protected]

Thank you to Scott Ward of Stevens Engineers, Inc. and Michael Woehrle of Nelson-Rudie & Associates for their contributions to this guide. A Feasibility Study is Key

Completing a feasibility study prior to starting a comprehensive design and building process is highly recommended. A study allows project stakeholders to generate clear project goals, to determine community resources, and to identify a course of action in achieving project objectives. The following are points for consideration.

Who will use it and how? Where should it be located? Stop or go? Understanding who will use the facility and how Site selection is critical to an ice arena’s success both A feasibility study will provide a good understanding they will use it are just two of the many questions from a financial and construction point of view. Site of community need, resources, conceptual design, which should be considered up-front to ensure a selection should consider pragmatic and community determined site, and an understanding of operational successful project. The answers to these questions will issues. sustainability. All of the elements come together in set expectations and a basic framework for further a final report that establishes the parameters for development. Is the site easily accessible? Are utilities readily the project. The results from the study may even available? What are the soil conditions? How does the recommend not moving forward with a project, Who will be the primary users? What are the financial site fit into future growth trends for the community because the results don’t match the community expectations for the project? What are user fee and for the facility? Can the site benefit from sharing resources and needs. Whatever the result, studies expectations? What size rink do they require? Will infrastructure from a neighboring facility? Can a site capture the required elements that establish a clear there be spectators? What size/how many seats? Will help to reinvigorate an existing part of town? course of action. the facility have year-round ice or dry floor activities in the off-season? What is the service draw area? Will The more thoughtful the site selection process, the you have project partners? Can this facility incorporate greater the chance of creating a true community asset. additional space that allows it to become a social gathering place for the community – in a sense a “downtown” for the community? ICE101 Typical Ice Sheet Sizes

NHL Olympic Curling • 85’ x 200’ with 28’ radius • 100’ x 200’ • 146’ x 15’-7” • Over 90% of rinks are NHL-size rinks • Ideal if there is a large figure skating community Miscellaneous • Figure skating practice rinks, goal skills rinks, etc. may be any size

292DesignGroup | 2017 | 2 ICE101 Ice Rink Components

Ice Rink Floor Dasher Boards Composition: An ice rink floor is comprised of sand or Sand floor Safety is the number one concern for most end users concrete with steel or polyethylene rink piping, pipe • saves money upfront, less costly at initial construction followed by function, playability and spectator viewing. supports, a vapor barrier and reinforcement. To prevent • will require additional maintenance because sand has Navigating the effectiveness and necessity of current permafrost build-up, the ice rink floor is placed on an a tendency to migrate to the surface of the ice so spot industry trends, safety design elements, and proprietary insulation layer that varies from 3” to 4” thick. Extending repairs of the ice sheet will be required products can be daunting. rink operation more than 6 months a year and including • refrigeration pipes move and the sand becomes a sub-soil heating system beneath the floor insulation uneven affecting ice sheet performance and efficiency Generally, dasher board systems are constructed of an provides additional protection against permafrost. The Concrete floor aluminum or steel framework covered with white poly ice itself is typically 1.25 to 1.75” thick. The white color • more costly than sand at initial construction facing. Tempered glass shielding (acrylic glazing can be of the ice, line work, and logo’s are typically painted on • allows the facility to hold other events — sporting used in lieu of glass) is installed on top of the framework. the first ½” of ice build. events, dog shows, rodeos, tradeshows, RV shows, Some system options are available, including flexible and more — when the ice is not in place. board and glass systems, and “support-less” shielding Concrete or sand floor? Considerations: The choice • requires skilled ice contractor to assure that the piping systems (systems that do not required posts). Outside of between a concrete or sand ice rink floor is often based system is installed as close to the concrete surface the structural elements, dasher board systems also include on cost and whether or not the ice floor is utilized year- as possible, and as evenly as possible, to maximize protective netting materials, storage carts; etc. round. Understanding the benefits or drawbacks ensures uniformity in ice quality, response time, and overall you’re making a sound decision performance of the ice sheet.

292DesignGroup | 2017 | 3 ICE101 Refrigeration

The ice refrigeration system is the most expensive • Geo-thermal refrigeration system: heat for the snow melt pit and frost prevention system mechanical system to operate in an ice arena. Careful Used when the geographic location — typically northern beneath the rink floor. Every facility is unique in the selection and design of equipment, materials and locations — makes it possible. The concept is similar to opportunities that are available to reuse waste heat and components is critical in the social and economic success the indirect refrigeration system with the exception of each opportunity should be closely studied. of the overall facility. utilizing geo-thermal wells/loops to store heat. The stored heat can also be stored to heat water and to provide in- Refrigerants: Today, one of the key decisions to make Refrigeration System Options: When selecting a floor heating. In some cases, the stored heat loops can be when installing or replacing an ice system is the type refrigeration system, facility owners and operators run under outdoor sidewalks and parking lots to melt ice of refrigerant to use. The phase-out of many of the should take into consideration the capital cost, and snow. popular artificial or synthetic refrigerants, such as R-22, operation and maintenance requirements, life R-507 and others, has limited the options significantly. expectancy, efficiency, and performance or each system. Heat Recovery: Maximizing the use of wasted heat An experienced, unbiased approach to evaluating Refrigeration is the core of ice sheet operation and as from the refrigeration process can significantly reduce these limited refrigerant options will have a significant with other components of ice rinks, understanding the energy use within the facility. Often, well-designed ice effect on budget, system performance, and long-term options allows you to make sound decisions. The most facilities go well beyond the traditional 25% reuse of operating efficiency and operation and maintenance. common refrigeration systems include:

• Indirect System: Consists of primary and secondary refrigerants. The primary refrigerant — natural (ammonia, CO2) or synthetic (R-22, R-507, etc) — is isolated in a refrigeration room and is used to cool the secondary refrigerant. The secondary refrigerant circulates through poly or steel pipes that are located within the concrete slab or sand floor. The secondary refrigerants, often referred to as the “brine,” typically include calcium chloride or ethylene glycol. The brine is circulated through the floor, absorbing heat from the ice rink slab and transporting the heat back to the refrigeration room where it is removed. • Direct System: Consists of a single refrigerant, typically R-22 Freon, that is circulated through stainless steel or iron pipes located within the concrete slab or sand floor. These systems are rarely used due to the safety concerns ,environmental concerns, and cost of R-22 refrigerants. However, CO2 direct systems are new to the industry and just starting to build interest.

292DesignGroup | 2017 | 4 ICE101 Structural/Architectural Systems

Exterior Wall and Roof Systems The goal of the building’s wall and roof systems — or building envelope —is to keep the arena as cool as possible so that the refrigeration and dehumidification systems run efficiently.

In ice arenas, the most common material for the building envelope is a pre-cast, insulated, concrete wall system with a steel, long-span, bar joist roof structure. The concrete wall panels are durable and can withstand the high humidity environment. The heavily insulated walls and roof create a thermally efficient enclosure. A pre- engineered steel structure with insulated metal panels for the roof and wall enclosures is sometimes used as an alternative system.

In all cases, fiberglass insulation should be avoided because of the humid environment created in an ice arena. The fiberglass insulation can hold moisture thereby reducing the thermal properties of the wall and roof systems and add additional weight to the steel structure.

Interior Wall Systems Interior walls are typically constructed out of masonry and glass. Gypsum board is not recommended, because it is susceptible to moisture, mold, and puck damage.

292DesignGroup | 2017 | 5 ICE101 Mechanical/Electrical Systems

Heating Systems concessions, separation of potable and non-potable Ice arenas should be heated to the minimum water, and toilet rooms. Special drainage systems are Dehumidification temperature accepted by the building occupants. required at the ice pit and ice resurfacer locations. Dehumidification systems are mechanical systems Typical arena space temperatures are maintained o that remove the moisture from the air inside an at 50 Fahrenheit year round. As the temperature is Lighting Systems ice arena, eliminating the “fog” within the rink. increased, so is the cooling load that, in turn, increases Rink lighting typically consists of high-bay industrial By removing the moisture from the arena air, the the operating costs of the ice plant. lighting or high-output fluorescent sport lighting. Sixty to refrigeration system can run efficiently. Potential 90 foot-candles generally create an adequate light level damage to the arena structure is removed, Heating the rink environment is accomplished via two for community rinks. Multiple light levels are desirable the possibility of mold growing in the facility heat sources; waste heat from the dehumidification because lighting can be adjusted for different events and is reduced, and a higher quality ice surface is process is captured and used to heat the rink space, lower light levels can help reduce operational expenses. created. A quality dehumidification system is a and radiant heating is often installed directly above critical item in the development of a first class ice the seating areas. The radiant heating system provides arena and should never be compromised. isolated heat near spectators and reduces the extra heat load on the ice plant. The combination of these two Energy Efficiency heat sources results in an efficient heating system; heat Ice arenas are energy intensive buildings. The is directed to where it is needed and unnecessary heat refrigeration and dehumidification processes loads on the ice surface are minimized. both produce heat as a byproduct of their operations. This waste heat can be used for a Ventilation Systems variety of functions and reduce building energy The ventilation system is a critical component of the ice consumption. Typical waste heat energy uses arena. Improperly ventilated arenas can result in poor include: air quality that may lead to severe health concerns for building occupants. Ventilation of the arena is complex • melting of the ice resurfacer shavings as air often needs to be heated, cooled or dehumidified • sub-floor heating of ice sheet to prevent permafrost before it is introduced into the building. • domestic water heating • in-floor radiant building heat Fire Protection Systems • dehumidification system regeneration As piping for fire protection systems is often exposed, Support Spaces & Mechanical Systems • exterior snow melt systems it requires special attention in an ice arena. Arenas are • building heating systems cold, hockey pucks can easily damage sprinkler heads, Locker rooms are frequently located adjacent to the ice surface. The rooms require specialized HVAC and agitated players can inadvertently damage the Careful coordination of the ice sheet refrigeration system with swinging sticks. design to minimize problems with odors, mold, and other moisture related issues. The lobby, office and system with the building mechanical system is concessions areas are typically heated and cooled required to optimize the use of the available waste Plumbing Systems heat and minimize the energy costs of the facility. Ice arenas require many specialized plumbing systems with roof top mechanical units. to accommodate resurfacing operations, locker rooms, 292DesignGroup | 2017 | 6 ICE101 Program, Site & Budget

• Figure skating room -16’ x 32’ Site Issues • Aerobics room - if a strong figure skating program is Site issues for an ice arena are many and varied. Some planned rules of thumb include: • Coaches Offices two- minimum, 10’ x 12’ • Referees room - with toilet and shower facilities • A single ice sheet facility requires 4.5 – 6 acres of land • Storage - much as the budget allows, but at least one 10’ • A double ice sheet facility requires 7 – 10 acres of land x 16’ room • Access for patrons: the arena should be centrally located • Seating:Typically 400 seats per ice sheet for a community and in an area where the demographics indicate the rink. If a junior ‘A’ or varsity level team is going to play largest number of ice sport participants live. Ice sports games at the facility, then seating should be increased to can be expensive and very time consuming for the 600 to 1200 depending on the draw of the team. Many participants, so convenience is important. Junior ‘A’ teams may require 2000 to 3000 seats with the • Access to utilities: the site should have direct access to capability of adding clubroom seating and suites. all utilities and main streets; • Party rooms - 2 to 3 per facility, each room 14’ x 28’ • Soils and topography: the site should have well draining • Meeting room -24’ x 24’ (can also utilize the party rooms) soils and minimal slope or grade changes. If the site has • Lobby space a high ground water table, sub-soil drainage systems • Managers’ office should be installed beneath the ice rink floor. • Staff room with lockers • Zoning: local officials should be consulted prior to • Proshop: This can be as small as a section of the acquiring any property to ensure that the site complies Program Elements concession area or as large as a walk-in pro-shop. with local zoning ordinances. The following list contains typical spaces found within a Availability of quality skating equipment and clothing in community ice facility. A typical, single ice sheet facility the marketplace will have a bearing on the size of the Budget is between 38,000 to 48,000 square feet. A double sheet pro-shop. The following costs are generalized construction costs facility is typically 78,000 to 115,000 square feet. The • Check-in desk/area only; land purchase is not included. Also, 25 to 35% following list should be modified to meet specific needs • Concessions with seating area should be added to create a total project cost. of the community in which it serves. • Vending/Arcade space • Public toilet facilities • Single sheet ice facilities (38,000 to 48,000 square feet) • Locker rooms/team rooms: Four team rooms, minimum, • Refrigeration room -26’ x 24’ typically range from $135.00 to $150.00 per square foot. are required per sheet of ice. If budget allows, it is nice to • Ice resurfacer room - 38’ x 26’ • A double ice sheet facility (78,000 to 115,000 square offer five team rooms per sheet of ice. The team rooms • Associated mechanical/electrical rooms feet) can range from $115.00 to $140.00 per square foot. should be minimum 16’ x 16’, preferred is 16’ x 20’. Also, • Small fitness area:Fitness areas have become more two team rooms can be set up to share one common popular for ice rinks. It provides a nice workout space for The cost can very greatly depending on amenities, site toilet/shower room to help minimize construction parents whose kids are practicing and generates revenue. construction costs, and local labor costs. and operational costs. If varsity or junior level hockey Can also double as a dry-land training center for hockey programs are going to be held at the facility, their team and figure skating athletes. rooms should be a minimum of 16’ x 40’ with built-in lockers and their own toilet/shower facilities. 292DesignGroup | 2017 | 7