As summer heats up, Arizonans are heading in droves for the nearest pool or, as Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix intends, to the ice skating rink.
Metrocenter, which opened in 1973, contained an ice rink until 1990 when it became too expensive to operate.
This summer, the mall is bringing back the rink, in a smaller, artificial ice format.
It will partner with BH Skating International’s StudioSK8 program. BH Skating International provides companies with non-refrigerated ice.
The company’s synthetic ice is made from a recyclable compound and doesn’t require any electricity to maintain. This would save money for Metrocenter, according to a press release from BH Skating.
Psychology sophomore Ashley Jarman said price would be the deciding factor in whether she and her friends went out to Metrocenter to skate this summer.
“Ice skating is super fun, especially when you get a group together,” Jarman said. “I’d go if it wasn't too expensive. It’s a nice way to get out of the heat other than swimming.”
Metrocenter plans to charge $5 an hour, which includes the cost of renting skates.
Jarman said she would be more likely to go if the rink offered a group discount.
General skating will take place Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Metrocenter also plans to host special skating events, such as youth hockey challenges and a “So You Think You Can Skate” contest after the rink closes to the public some evenings.
Psychology sophomore Amanda Meachum said she didn’t think she would visit Metrocenter, regardless of the ice rink and the programs offered with it.
“It's completely out of the way for me,” she said. “There are closer ice rinks, so unless it was super cool, I probably wouldn’t go.”
Metrocenter, at the intersection of Interstate 17 and Peoria Avenue, is 5 miles away from ASU’s West campus and nearly 22 miles away from the Tempe campus.
Metrocenter’s original ice rink was well known in the Phoenix area in the ‘70s and ‘80s and was featured in the 1989 movie “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
The new rink is smaller, at 1800 feet, but hopes to attract similar crowds.
Reach the reporter at julia.shumway@asu.edu or follow @JMShumway on Twitter.
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