Bloomington Ice Garden
Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG) is open for organized sports activities. Below are a few key highlights of our operational guidelines. For complete details, download the general BIG Operations Plan and the BIG Operations Plan for Games and Tournaments. Our top priority is providing a safe experience and environment on the ice. By following this plan and recommended health guidelines, BIG will remain open and safe for guests and staff. Click the tabs below for details.
The basics.
- Maximum of two (2) pods of 25 participants per pod, in any combination of skaters and coaches allowed in each rink.
- No group lessons allowed. Maintain social distancing at all times.
- Except for skaters on the ice, face masks are required for everyone at all times inside the arena. Skaters must wear gloves while on the ice.
- No off ice or “dry land” training allowed anywhere on BIG property, including inside building, parking lot, driveways, grass areas, etc.
What you should do.
- Skaters should arrive dressed to skate and carry skates, sticks and helmets into the arena.
- Drop off skaters at main door on west side of building ONLY. No waiting or pick-up allowed.
- Pick up skaters in north parking lot ONLY. Pick-up zone will be clearly marked.
- Enter/exit along defined paths, only going to and from the rink assigned to your session.
- Enter building no more than 15 minutes before session begins, and exit no more than 15 minutes after session ends.
- Bring full water bottles in zip lock plastic bag (along with skate guards and facial tissues). Water fountains and concession stands remain closed.
What we will do to provide a safe environment.
- Social distance-compliant skate changing areas will be provided near each rink. Note: Coach, referee, locker, figure skating club and meeting rooms remain closed.
- Rink boards, restrooms, skate changing area, trash bins, etc. will be cleaned and disinfected with CDC/WHO-approved cleaning solutions in between sessions.
- Ice time will be rented via contract with payment made via credit card over the phone. Neither cash nor credit card payments will be accepted in person at the arena.
Thank you for adhering to these guidelines. If you have questions, please contact BIG at 952-563-8841 or big@bloomingtonmn.gov.
The Bloomington Ice Garden opened in 1970 with one rink. BIG now has three rinks, one of them Olympic-sized, and boasts a seating capacity of 2,500.
During the winter, you may also visit Bloomington's outdoor skating rinks and warming houses.
Skate School is back! Some programs may be unavailable. Click below for details.
Developmental hockey
Schedule subject to change. Visit http://ice.blm.mn to view current schedule.
About developmental ice
- Open to hockey players of all ages.
- Players can spend time with a coach, parent or on their own.
- Helmet and mouth guard are required.
Cost: $11 per person
Figure skaters – Pro's ice
Visit http://ice.blm.mn to view current schedule.
Cost: $11 per person per hour
Open skating schedule
Open skating begins October 19, 2020.
9 - 10:15 a.m.* on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- All participants are allowed into the building 15 minutes prior to the start of Open Skating and will need to exit the building within 15 minutes after the end of Open Skating.
- The first 25 skaters will be allowed onto the Open Skating session – no more.
- All participants must be able to skate by themselves – no one may be carried.
- Everyone must wear a mask at all times while in the building and on the ice. Skaters under 6 years old do not have to wear a mask, but it is encouraged.
- Participants will need to provide name and phone number in case they need to be contacted for contact tracing per MDH.
- NO rental skates are available.
- NO training aids/pushers are available.
- NO birthday or group parties allowed.
* Schedule subject to change. Visit http://ice.blm.mn to view current schedule.
Cost
- Adults: $5
- Students 17 and under: $4
- Coupon Book: $20 (6 coupons for use by adults or students)
- Skate rental: Not currently available
- Skate sharpening: $6
Bloomington Skate School
The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School offers skating lessons year round. View the 2020-2021 BIG Skate School brochure for a complete list of session dates, class times and prices.
Online registration is required.,
Registration deadline is 10 a.m. the day prior to the first day of class for each session.
The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. As the only ice skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating and the Professional Skaters Association, Learn to Skate USA offers every participant a rewarding experience rooted in the lifelong benefits of ice skating.
How to Register for Parks and Rec Programs Online
Many programs, such as BIG Skate School for example, require participant households to be registered with the City of Bloomington program management system. To assist, please review this comprehensive tutorial on how to complete that process. Online Registration Instructions
