Ice Rink Feasibility Study: 8 Essentials to Know Before You Start Planning
Let’s say a community group approaches your municipality with a big idea: “Let’s build an ice rink!” The vision is exciting—youth hockey tournaments, public skating nights, figure skating programs, curling leagues, and even birthday parties on ice. Everyone nods. The potential sounds huge.
But then comes the real question:
Can we actually afford this? Will people use it? How much will it cost to run?
That’s where an ice rink feasibility study comes in.
Before you sketch out blueprints or request funding, you need a clear, evidence-based answer to a simple question:
Is this project viable?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the 8 most important things every project planner should consider before investing time and money into an ice rink facility. From understanding your local demand to breaking down costs and calculating ROI—we’ll help you assess if the dream can become reality.
If you are in a hurry, try our ice rink cost calculator to get a tailored estimate for your project in minutes.
1. Who Will Use the Ice Rink?
Before you plan anything, you must understand who the rink is for. Will it serve youth hockey leagues, recreational skaters, figure skating programs, curling clubs, school P.E. classes, or private rentals?
Knowing your primary users shapes everything—from the size and layout of the rink to programming, revenue models, and even funding opportunities. If your target audience doesn’t align with what you’re building, the project risks low utilization from day one.
2. Where Should You Build It?
Location can make or break a rink. Start by evaluating potential areas in your community that meet zoning, accessibility, and infrastructure requirements. Just as importantly, look at the competitive landscape: are there existing ice rinks nearby? What programs do they offer? Are they fully booked or struggling to fill time slots?
Other key factors:
- Proximity to schools, neighborhoods, or public transit
- Availability of land or redevelopment sites
- Community visibility and parking capacity
- Future growth potential in the area
3. Rink Size and Format: A Key Decision in Your Ice Rink Feasibility Study
The type of rink you build isn’t just a design choice—it’s a strategic decision with operational and financial consequences.
For example:
- NHL-sized rinks (200×85 feet) are the North American standard for hockey.
- Olympic-sized rinks (200×100 feet) offer more space but cost more to build and operate.
- Curling rinks and studio rinks have different layouts and technical needs.
Your choice affects ice programming, construction costs, energy use, and who can actually use the space. It also impacts long-term flexibility—so choose wisely based on your user base and goals.
Read more: How to build an ice rink?
4. Ice Rink Feasibility Study Cost Estimates: What to Expect
Ice rink construction costs vary widely depending on format, location, and features. But to give you a broad benchmark:
- Just the rink (ice surface + refrigeration + dasher boards): €1.2 million to €3 million
- Full indoor facility (with building, HVAC, seating, amenities): €6 million to €12 million+
Your specific cost will depend on many factors—use our ice rink cost calculator for a tailored estimate based on your project scope.
5. What Will It Cost to Run—And Can It Generate Enough Revenue?
This is where the numbers need to start working.
You’ll need to estimate operating costs, such as utilities (especially refrigeration), staffing, maintenance, insurance, and marketing. Then, compare that to potential revenue streams, such as public skating, ice rentals, lessons, events, and sponsorships.
Understanding whether your rink can sustain itself financially is essential—and best done as part of a broader business plan.
👉 Check out our full Ice Rink Business Plan Guide to learn more about revenue forecasting, pricing, and operating margins.
6. Ice Rink Feasibility Study: Where Will the Funding Come From?
Building an ice rink almost always requires multiple funding sources. Rarely is one organization footing the bill alone.
Explore:
- Municipal funding: Often used for school or community facilities
- State or federal grants: Especially for energy efficiency, youth sports, or rural development
- Private investment or philanthropy
- Sponsorships & naming rights: Local businesses often support rinks for visibility
- User-based fundraising: Pre-sale memberships, capital campaigns, and crowdfunding
A strong feasibility study helps make your case for funding by showing the facility’s potential impact, usage, and sustainability.
👉 Check out our sports facility grants database for relevant funding opportunities for your ice rink project.
7. What Will It Take to Break Even?
One of the most common questions from project planners is: “How long until the rink pays for itself?” That’s where the concept of ROI (Return on Investment) comes in.
Here’s a simple way to look at it:
ROI = Total Construction Cost ÷ Annual Profit
Let’s say your ice rink project costs €3 million to build.
You estimate it will bring in €750,000/year in revenue, and your annual operating costs are €300,000.
That leaves you with: €750,000 – €300,000 = €450,000 profit per year
Now divide the total investment by annual profit: €3,000,000 ÷ €450,000 = 6.7 years
So, you could expect to break even in about 6–7 years—not bad for a long-term public or private facility.
This is a key part of your ice rink feasibility study, especially when seeking support or funding. It shows decision-makers that your project isn’t just needed—it’s sustainable.
8. Should You Get a Professional Feasibility Study?
If this all feels like a lot—that’s because it is. A true feasibility study takes time, research, and experience. And doing it right is critical if you want to win funding, secure permits, and avoid costly oversights down the road.
Professional consultants bring:
- Industry benchmarks and real cost data
- Experience from similar projects
- Tools to model usage, ROI, and revenue streams accurately
- A credible document to share with stakeholders, partners, or funders
Doing it yourself is possible but risky. If your project involves real stakes or public funding, working with an experienced feasibility study consultant is almost always worth the investment.
Ready to Start Planning?
A feasibility study is the first real test of whether your rink project makes sense—and it’s your best tool for turning a great idea into a real facility. When you’re ready to take the next step, use our ice rink cost calculator, explore our business directory, and download our ice rink business plan template to keep moving forward with confidence.
