Parks and Recreation Links


Bloomington Ice Garden


As a city that was built out in the 1950s and 1960s, Bloomington has many facilities that need to be upgraded or replaced. That is why the City is proposing a long-term plan, called Bloomington Forward, to invest in local projects that support health, wellness, athletics and recreation.
The state legislature has authorized the City to present a half-percent sales tax option to help pay for Bloomington Ice Garden renovations, a new Community Health and Wellness Center, and improvements to Moir/Central Park and the Nine Mile Creek corridor. Bloomington residents helped shape the plan, and will get a final say on the sales tax option during the general election on November 7.
Needed renovations at BIG include: New refrigeration and mechanical systems, new roof, better accessibility, and additional improvements to increase utilization and enhance the user experience, including seating and locker rooms. The estimated cost is $37.272 million. The City has received $2.272 million from the State of Minnesota for predesign work.
To learn more, visit bloomingtonforward.org.

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.
Designed for working on individual hockey skills. Open to hockey players of all ages. Players can spend time with a coach, parent or on your own.
- Dates and Times
- September 15, 2023 - August 30, 2024
- Monday, Friday: 6 - 7 a.m.
- No Skating November 13, 17, December 25, January 1, May 27, July 5
- September 15, 2023 - August 30, 2024
- Fees and Discounts
- $12 per person per session
- Coupon books available.
- 11 coupons for $115
- $12 per person per session
- Rules and Requirements
- Helmet and mouth guard required.
- Bring own sticks and pucks.
Schedule subject to change. Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm ice availability.
NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm ice availability. NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
- Dates and Times
- Monday - Friday
- Occasionally offered Saturday and Sunday. Contact BIG for availability.
- Monday - Friday
- Fees and Discounts
- $12 per person per hour
- Coupon books available.
- 11 coupons for $115
- $12 per person per hour
Open to anyone who just wants to spend some time on the ice!
- Dates and Times
- September 15, 2023 - June 2, 2024
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Sunday, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
- No skating Nov. 13, 14, 15, Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1, Feb. 11, Mar. 31, May 6, 27
- June 6 - August 29, 2024
- Thursday, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
- Sunday, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
- No skating July 4, 7
- September 15, 2023 - June 2, 2024
- All participants must be able to skate by themselves – no one may be carried.
- Schedule subject to change. Additional dates occasionally offered. Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm availability.
- NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
- Fees and Discounts
- All ages: $5
- Coupon Book: $25 for 6 coupons
- Skate sharpening: $8
- Skate rental: $5
If you are interested in purchasing ice time at BIG, please visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm availability. Then call 952-563-8841 or email big@bloomingtonmn.gov to reserve your spot.
NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
RATES
- Prime Time (Mon-Fri, 3-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.): $250/hour + tax
- Evening Times (after 9:30 p.m.): $182/hour + tax

The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School offers skating lessons year round. View the Skate School brochure linked below for a complete list of session dates, class times and prices.
Online registration is required - click here
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.
Skate School Curriculum
Snowplow Sam (age 3-6+)
Snowplow Sam 1-4 invites children ages 3 - 6+ to learn the joys of ice skating in a safe, introductory setting. Young skaters will have fun while learning how to fall and get back up, how to march across the ice and ultimately build confidence in themselves and their abilities. The classes, divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience, help preschool-age skaters develop the coordination and strength to move across the ice.
Upon completing the Snowplow Sam curriculum, skaters can enter Basic Skills at their corresponding level or move on to pursue a specific discipline.
Basic 1-6 (age 5+)
The Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters age 5 and above who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination, and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.
Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.
Aspire Class (age 6+)
The Aspire Class is The next step for skaters after passing Basic 6. Aspire skaters continue working on progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps. This class prepares skaters for the transition to the Figure Skating Club of Bloomington’s Jr. Club.
Edge Class (age 6+)
The Edge Class is intended for skaters who have passed at least Basic 6 and who are working on their US Figure Skating Moves in the Field tests. The emphasis of this class is to work on edge quality, power, extension, turn execution, continuous flow and quickness.
Adults (age 13+)
The Adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Adult skater working on advanced moves, jumps and spins should register for the Adult Freeskate Class.
Hockey (age 4+)
Teaches fundamentals of hockey skating. Skaters will learn how to be more proficient and agile on the ice with focus on proper hockey skating techniques. All elements will be taught without a puck. Skaters will learn the basic hockey stance, stride, knee bend, use of edges and other necessary fundamentals to be successful in practices and games.

Have questions or need more information? Contact Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator, at 952-563-4636 or rgelecinskyj@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Mark your calendar! The 2024 Ice Show takes place March 15-16. Details coming soon.
2023 Ice Show: Skate the Enchanted Forest

Information for Participants
The annual Ice Show takes place March 17, 7 p.m. and March 18, 1 p.m. at Bloomington Ice Garden. Participant registration opens in early December. A dress rehearsal takes place March 16, 6 p.m. and is open to everyone.
Meet new friends and have fun! All registered Skate School participants and Figure Skating Club of Bloomington members are welcome to be a part of the annual ice show. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate.
This professional style event featuring spotlights, costumes, fun choreography and great music is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your skating skills to friends, family, neighbors and others in the community.
Download the 2023 Ice Show Information and Registration Form
Information for Guests
Ice Show tickets may be purchased in-person at Bloomington Ice Garden main office, or with credit card by phone at 952-563-8841. Ticket sales are nonrefundable.
March 17 and 18 Shows
- Advance Ticket Sales: Beginning March 4)
- Adults (19-61) - $8
- Seniors (62+) - $6
- Youth (6-18) - $6
- Children (0-5) - Free
- At the Door: March 17 & 18
- Adults (19-61) - $10
- Seniors (62+) - $8
- Youth (6-18) - $8
- Children (0-5) - Free
March 16 Dress Rehearsal
- Advance and At the Door
- Adults, Seniors, Youth (6-62+) - $5
- Children (0-5) - Free
Have questions or need more information? Contact Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator, at rgelecinskyj@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Preview the 2023 Ice Show

Revisit the 2022 Ice Show


Visit BIG and enjoy a 30-minute adult group lesson with a Skate School coach. You'll get an active workout on the entire ice surface while meeting new people and learning new skills. Bring your own skates or use BIG's rental skates at no cost!
Before and after the lesson, take advantage of 30 minutes of free, self-guided practice time. Individual lessons will also be available at a cost of $10 for 10 minutes.
Skate School Adult Coffee Club Details
When: Wednesdays, September 13, 2023 - May 29, 2024
- Practice: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Group Lesson: 12 - 12:30 p.m.
- Practice: 12:30 - 1 p.m.
No class October 18, November 15 & 22, December 20
Where: Rink 3
Who: Adult skaters ages 18 and above of all skill and experience levels are welcome
Fee(s): $25 per person per day
- Includes one free coffee or fountain beverage.
- Pay at the front office upon arrival.
- Skate rental is free (if needed).
- Private lessons can be paid directly to the coach.
For more details, contact: Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator at 952-563-4626 or rgelecinskyj@BloomingtonMN.gov
Think BIG for your meetings and celebration events!
Bloomington Ice Garden offers packages for birthdays and other special events, and room rentals for meetings of all kinds.
The Basics
- One (1) hour of private ice rental. Have the entire sheet of ice to yourself for 60 minutes!
- Private room rental.
- Free rental skates
- Fee: $350+tax
Food and Beverages
- Food and beverage add-ons can be arranged through BIG Concessions.
- Options and prices vary.
- Or bring in your own food and beverages.
- BIG staff will provide a safe, cool and clean space for your party, and clean up afterwards as well!
Expert Help
- Have guests who may not be proficient skaters? Not to worry. Skating instructors are available to help your party guests learn to skate.
- Fee: $50/hour/instructor.
Reservations and More Information
To make a reservation or get more details on birthday and special event options at BIG, contact us at 952-563-8841, MN Relay 711 or BIG@bloomingtonmn.gov.

Bloomington Ice Garden has spaces available for rent for a variety of meetings and other uses. See room types and information below, and then contact BIG at 952-563-8841, MN Relay 711, or big@bloomingtonmn.gov for more details.
Multi-Purpose Room
- Size: 55' x 22'
- Capacity – 50-65 w/tables and chairs (we have both rectangular and round tables)
- 75-85 - Chairs only
- 100 – no tables or chairs
- Room amenities: Hardwood floors, exterior view, roller shades, pull down projector screen and portable projector (additional charge)
Rink 1 Meeting Room
- Size 14x22
- Conference room table for 10-12 people
- Space for additional seating (not at table) also available
General Information
- Room rental rates: $20-35/hour
- Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (may vary throughout the year)
- Concessions: Available through Arena Concession Stand
- Projector: Available for rental from $50/hour
- Half- and full-iday rates available
Additional Spaces
Several public spaces at BIG may also be reserved for events. Availability depends on event/activity schedule at the arena.

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














