Washington DC area Rinks

[SportsAnnouncing]

I wanted to drop this note in there in case help is needed a little later.

One of the local rinks in Prince William County is having to close and anyone who is in this area knows that the indoor rinks here aren't rinks, more of spaces to play.

Anyway, I was in contact with a business associate who informed me of their desire to obtain land from Prince William County to develop an inline rink just off US-1 and close to I-95 in Woodbridge (just south of Fairfax County).

This facility would be a two-rink regulation sized facility which would most likely serve just inline for now and may be expanded to soccer/other sports. This would by far open the door for a DC area team to come back in MLRH and open up the Richmond/Williamsburg/South corridor.

There will be a meeting later next week by the prospective owner and the county. As I hear anything on progress, I'll let you know. There could be a money thing right now for the land, not sure if they've considered throwing out naming rights.

If this building goes up, I'll probably be asking for input on what a good rink should have (pro-shop, good place to eat, etc.).

Jarrod.

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[RaysTheMac]

Let's not forget showers! Too many multi-sport facilities leave you stinkin' for a long ride home.

[flyersindc]

Best of luck!! It's a shame that the DC area doesn't have a good rink, it has such a strong inline presence.

Stuff to consider from a players standpoint:
1. Showers are a must!! Nothing like a five hour trip smelling like a swamp. The wives/girlfriends love that!
2. Secure locker rooms. Players hate going to a place were wallets disappear! It might sound like a no-brainer, but if you're going to have two rinks, you will need at least 4 locker rooms!
3. Air conditioning!!! Places that big in the summer get really, really, really hot. Goalies especially can get really toasty.
4. Leave room around the rink for stands if you want to host bigger events, i.e., MLRH, PIHA, high school & college games/tournaments, etc.
5. Scoreboards on BOTH ends of the rink. Speaking as a goaltender, it's always a pain in the ass when the only scoreboard is behind you and you can't see the clock to countdown a powerplay, etc.
6. Don't forget the penalty boxes. You might laugh, but the Shoebox (Planet Splash & Play in Chantilly, Va.) doesn't have any.
7. Finally, perhaps you can be an innovator: Find a way to make the nets stay in place when a goalie pushes off. Some kind of magnet like the NHL does or something.

Just my two cents. Okay, maybe $1.20, but I'm out of the sport now and need to feel involved!!! :)

Jim




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[umroller]

I know the University of Maryland roller hockey team would be interested in practicing at such a facility and I'd bet that the ECRHA might be interested in holding events there depending on how the rink turns out.

[SportsAnnouncing]

It's funnt that you mention the system of holding the nets in place. I've been working on some ideas but haven't been able to find anyone willing to let me try and I need a little money to get it going.

I have two ideas that I think could work and wouldn't necessitate needing to redo the rink.

And you're right about Planet Splash and Play. The penalty boxes there for MLRH games were chairs I had to find. Man did I feel vulnerable when two guys got into a fight and were screaming back in forth in front of me.

But that's the fun of hockey!

Jarrod.

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[RaysTheMac]

How about if someone built a rink in the Lehigh Valley. All this great hockey too the east and west of here, if anyone here wants to play you have to drive any hour to do so.

[flyersindc]

Lehigh Valley would be great! There's plenty of old warehouses up there that could be converted if someone had the money... There was a old-style roller rink on Rt. 100 in Macungie, but that probably wouldn't be big enough.



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[FAfromCT]

Talk to the guys at the Z-Rink in Glastonbury, CT. Our rink here has nets that are held in place by a rubber peg that does give when it is hit, but it stays secure for the goalie to push off of.

[RaysTheMac]

probably not, no room for locker rooms. Although I think it is for sale. So is the old Ice Palace, would need some work though.