Right in the heart of Birmingham, Michigan, you’ll find the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena at 2300 East Lincoln. This isn’t some far-off rink you need to trek to – it’s smack dab in the city, ready for action. And boy, has it had a facelift! In November 2021, the arena got a fancy renovation and addition courtesy of C.E. Gleeson Constructors, Inc. Now it’s all shiny and new, just waiting for you to carve up the ice.
What’s Inside?
This isn’t your average backyard ice patch. The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena boasts a regulation-sized ice rink that can seat 550 spectators. You can bring the whole family, the neighbors, and maybe even your cat (okay, maybe not the cat) to watch the action. But wait, there’s more! There’s also a smaller studio arena perfect for lessons and parties. It’s like the rink’s little sibling – cute but still cool.
Who Calls This Place Home?
The arena isn’t just a random patch of ice. It’s home to some serious talent. The Girls Birmingham Unified Varsity High School Figure Skating Team struts their stuff here. These girls from Seaholm and Groves High Schools team up to create some serious ice magic. And for those who prefer sticks to skates, the Birmingham Unified Kings, a combo team from the same high schools, defend their home ice here, too.
What Can You Do Here?
Learn to Skate
Always wanted to glide gracefully across the ice but ended up looking like a newborn giraffe instead? Fear not! The arena offers Learn to Skate classes. Starting September 9, 2024, you can sign up to transform from Bambi on ice to the next Michelle Kwan (or someone who can stand up straight on skates).
Public Skating
Not into structured lessons? No problem! The arena offers public skating sessions where you can freestyle to your heart’s content. Remember, no fancy jumps or spins are allowed – save those for when you’re famous.
Adult Skate
For grown-ups who want to relive their youth or try something new, there’s Adult Skate. It’s like regular skating, but more people complain about sore knees afterward.
Parent and Tot Hockey
Got a little Wayne Gretzky in the making? Bring them to Parent and Tot Hockey. Just ensure they’re 12 or under and suited up in full gear. It’s like regular hockey but with more “awws” from the spectators.
Teen Hockey
For the older kids who think they’re too cool for Parent and Tot, there’s Teen Hockey. It’s for 13 to 17-year-olds who want to show off their skills or just hang out on the ice.
Special Programs
The Player’s Edge
This program caters to everyone from tiny tots just learning to stand on skates to experienced house players. It’s like a one-stop shop for all things hockey.
Figure Skating Club of Birmingham
For those who prefer graceful spins to body checks, the Figure Skating Club of Birmingham calls this arena home. They even host test sessions because, apparently, you can get graded on how well you twirl.
Birmingham Hockey Association (BHA)
If you eat, sleep, and breathe hockey, the BHA is your jam. They run house leagues and even have spring hockey for those who can’t bear to hang up their skates when the weather warms up.
Birmingham Unified Ice Hockey
The Birmingham Unified Kings aren’t just a cool name – they’re a serious hockey program. Formed in 1992, they bring together students from Groves and Seaholm high schools to create a powerhouse team. They even have summer training camps and leagues for those truly dedicated to the sport.
Cool Features
One of the coolest things about this arena (pun intended) is its Live On Demand Broadcasting. Now, you can watch all the action without leaving your couch. It’s perfect for those days when you want to support your local teams but don’t want to wear pants.
Birthday Parties
Starting September 2024, you can host the coolest birthday party in town (literally). Nothing says, “I’m turning a year older,” like sliding around on a frozen surface!
Summer Schedule
Don’t think the fun stops when the weather heats up. The arena runs a summer schedule from May 28th to August 30th. Nothing says “beating the heat” like hanging out in a giant freezer.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena in all its glory. It’s not just a place to skate; it’s a community hub, a training ground for future Olympians, and a cool hangout spot (again, pun intended). Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who thinks a triple axel is a type of car part, there’s something for everyone at this arena. So lace up those skates, bundle up, and get ready to have an ice time!
Source: bhamgov.org
Header Image Source: Natalya Karpeka on Unsplash
