Synthetic Ice Rink Manufacturers in the U.S. - The Top Five List
If you’re considering installing a synthetic ice rink, you’re about to embark on a thrilling journey that combines the joy of ice skating with the convenience of year-round, indoor or outdoor use. Choosing the right partner for your project is crucial to ensure a high-quality, durable rink that provides an authentic skating experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top five synthetic ice rink companies in the U.S., exploring their offerings, strengths, and what sets them apart. Whether you’re planning a home rink for practice and fun, or a commercial rink for public use, this list will help you make an informed decision for your unique needs.
If you are planning to build an ice skating rink, try our ice rink cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your project.
Table of Contents
Pro tip: Grant programs often ask for budgetary information, so it’s a good idea to understand your project’s total costs before applying for grants. Use our ice rink cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your project.
Top Synthetic Ice Rink Companies in the U.S.
1. Glice Rinks
Established in 2012, Glice is a premier global provider of eco-friendly synthetic ice rinks. The company is dedicated to revolutionizing the ice sports industry by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ice rinks. Glice’s synthetic ice rinks are designed with advanced technology, providing an authentic ice-skating experience without the need for water or energy.
Products and services offered by Glice
Glice panels
Glice Panels are the main components of Glice’s synthetic ice rinks. They are designed to provide a high-quality skating experience that closely mimics the feel of real ice. These panels are designed to be durable and long-lasting, providing a smooth and consistent skating surface. They are also environmentally friendly, as they do not require water or electricity to maintain, unlike traditional ice rinks.
Here’s a bit more detail about the different types of Glice Panels:
Glice Home Panel: These panels are 10mm (0.4″) thick and measure 600 x 600 mm (1′ 96″ x 1′ 96″). The maximum rink size for these panels is 50 m² (500 ft²). They weigh 3 kg each, have a warranty of 5 years, and a lifespan of 10 years.
Glice Panel (13mm): These panels are 13mm (0.5″) thick and measure 1965 x 982.5 mm (6′ 44″ x 3′ 22″). They are suitable for rinks up to 100 m² (1000 ft²) in size. Each panel weighs 24 kg, comes with a 6-year warranty, and has a lifespan of 12 years.
Glice Panel (20mm): These panels are 20mm (0.75″) thick and also measure 1965 x 982.5 mm (6′ 44″ x 3′ 22″). They are designed for any rink size, with no maximum limit. Each panel weighs 37 kg, comes with a 12-year warranty, and has a lifespan of 20 years.
Glice Dasherboard Systems
These are the barriers around the rink. They come in different styles including Hockey Dasher Board, Home Mini Board, Leisure Dasher Board. All dasher boards have a warranty of 2 years.
Glice Hockey Dasher Board
Glice Home Mini Board
Glice Leisure Dasher Board
Public Protection Options
These include Public Protection Polycarbonate and Public Protection Nets, designed to ensure safety for spectators around the rink.
Glice Public Protection Polycarbonate
Glice Public Protection Nets
Support and training
Glice provides in-person support and training through the Glice Supervisor and online training through the Glice Academy. These services help customers install and maintain their Glice rinks.
Successful projects
To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of successful Glice rink installations in the U.S.
New York Rooftop Glice Rink
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum installed a Glice rink on their rooftop, offering a delightful and unexpected experience for their patrons. The 3,200 square foot rink was a huge success, and featured a collection of works from 16 local artists.
Glice Rink at Four Seasons Hotel, Baltimore
Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts install a rooftop rink in Baltimore every winter to attract guests and locals. The rink offers ice skating, fire pits, and holiday décor. The 1800 sq. ft. rink offers panoramic views of the harbor and city skyline.
Warranty
Glice offers a 12-year warranty on its products, reflecting the company’s confidence in the durability and performance of its synthetic ice.
Certifications
The company’s products are also certified by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), further attesting to their quality and performance.
How to contact?
The main office of Glice Rinks is located in Switzerland, however, they oversee their North American activities from their regional office situated at Suite 203, 7102 La Vista Place, Niwot, Colorado. You can reach them at the following contact number: +1 (303) 214 5022 or visit their website at glicerink.com.
2. KwikRink Synthetic Ice
KwikRink Synthetic Ice, founded in 1996, is one of the leading players in the synthetic ice industry. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to creating high-quality, durable synthetic ice rinks that offer an authentic ice-skating experience. KwikRink’s synthetic ice panels are designed with the latest technology, ensuring optimal glide and performance for both recreational and professional use.
Products
The company’s flagship product, KwikRink V Synthetic Ice, is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation. This product is known for its self-lubricating properties, which provide a realistic ice-like feel, reducing the need for constant maintenance and making it a preferred choice for indoor and outdoor rinks worldwide.
Successful projects
Over the years, KwikRink has successfully completed numerous projects, including the installation of a synthetic ice rink at the Mall of America and providing rinks for the National Hockey League’s outdoor games. These projects underscore the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions for a wide range of clients.
Warranty and certifications
KwikRink stands behind its products with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, reflecting its confidence in the durability and performance of its synthetic ice. The company’s products are also certified by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), further validating their quality and performance.
How to contact?
Headquartered at 2751 Hennepin Ave S, Suite 710, Minneapolis, MN 55408, KwikRink Synthetic Ice operates with a customer-centric approach. For more information about KwikRink Synthetic Ice and its products, you can reach them at (888) 275-2345 or via email at info@kwikrink.com. You can also visit their website at kwikrink.com to explore their wide range of products and services.
3. SmartRink
SmartRink is a leading provider of synthetic ice rinks, offering high-quality and innovative solutions for both residential and commercial applications. Established in 2005, the company has over 15 years of experience in the industry, and has become a trusted name for synthetic ice surfaces worldwide.
Products
SmartRink offers a range of products under various brand names, each designed to cater to different needs and budgets. Their ProFast1500, ProFast1800, and ProFast5000 panels are among their most popular offerings, each providing a unique balance of glide, durability, and affordability. These products are designed with the company’s patented ProFast technology, which ensures a superior skating experience.
Successful projects
Over the years, SmartRink has successfully completed numerous projects across the globe. From backyard rinks for family fun to professional training facilities, SmartRink has demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality synthetic ice solutions for a wide range of applications. Their clients include professional athletes, recreational skaters, hockey teams, figure skating clubs, and event companies, among others.
Warranty and certifications
SmartRink stands behind the quality of its products with a comprehensive warranty. Their ProFast series panels come with a 10-year warranty, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance of the product’s durability and longevity.
In terms of certifications, SmartRink’s products are tested and certified to meet the highest industry standards. This includes certifications for UV stability and resistance, ensuring that their synthetic ice panels can withstand various weather conditions and maintain their performance over time.
How to contact?
SmartRink’s headquarters are located at 1209 East Sackville Road, Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada. They can be reached via phone at +1 (902) 252-7080 or via email at info@smartrink.com. For more information about their products, services, and projects, you can visit their website at www.smartrink.com.
4. PolyGlide Ice
PolyGlide Ice is a renowned manufacturer and distributor of premium synthetic ice panels, offering a high-quality and realistic alternative to traditional ice rinks. The company was founded in 2015 and has since been dedicated to providing innovative and environmentally friendly ice skating solutions for both commercial and residential use.
Products
PolyGlide Ice offers a variety of products under its brand, including Home Ice, Pro Ice, and Commercial Ice panels. Each product line is designed to cater to different needs, from home practice areas to professional training facilities and commercial rinks. The company’s patented interlocking panel design ensures a smooth and seamless skating surface, providing an ice-like experience.
Successful projects
Since its inception, PolyGlide Ice has successfully completed numerous projects, ranging from small home installations to large commercial setups. The company’s synthetic ice has been featured on popular television shows like Shark Tank and The Toy Box, demonstrating its wide appeal and high-quality performance.
Warranty
PolyGlide Ice stands behind the quality of its products, offering a 3-year warranty on Home Ice panels and a 10-year warranty on Pro Ice and Commercial Ice panels. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, providing customers with confidence in their investment.
How to contact?
The headquarters of PolyGlide Ice is located at 3020 Old Ranch Parkway, Suite 300, Seal Beach, California, 90740, USA. They can be reached via phone at +1 (855) 765-9423 or via email at info@polyglideice.com. For more detailed information about their products, services, and projects, you can visit their website at www.polyglideice.com.
5. Xtraice Rinks
Xtraice is a global leader in the production and distribution of ecological ice rinks, offering an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional ice skating surfaces. The company was established in 2005 and has since been committed to providing high-quality, environmentally friendly synthetic ice rinks for both commercial and residential applications.
Products
Xtraice offers a range of products under its brand, including Xtraice Home, Xtraice Leisure, and Xtraice Professional panels. Each product line is designed to cater to different needs, from home practice areas to professional training facilities and commercial rinks. The company’s patented technology ensures a smooth and seamless skating surface, providing an ice-like experience with minimal maintenance.
Successful projects
Over the years, Xtraice has successfully completed numerous projects worldwide, ranging from small home installations to large commercial setups. The company’s synthetic ice has been used by professional sports teams, recreational facilities, and event companies, demonstrating its wide appeal and high-quality performance.
Warranty
Xtraice stands behind the quality of its products, offering a 12-year warranty on its synthetic ice panels. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, providing customers with confidence in their investment.
Certifications
In terms of certifications, Xtraice’s products are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, ensuring that their synthetic ice panels are produced to the highest quality and environmental standards.
How to contact?
The headquarters of Xtraice is located at Calle Charles Robert Darwin, 20, 41092 Seville, Spain. They can be reached via phone at +34 955 110 045 or via email at info@xtraice.com. For more detailed information about their products, services, and projects, you can visit their website at www.xtraice.com.
Synthetic ice rink companies explained
- Full-Service Synthetic Ice Rink Companies: These companies offer a comprehensive range of services, from design and construction to maintenance and repair of synthetic ice rinks. They handle every aspect of the project, making them a convenient one-stop-shop for customers.
- Synthetic Ice Rink Manufacturers: These companies specialize in manufacturing the components of a synthetic ice rink, such as the panels and dasher boards. They may sell these components to other companies or directly to customers. Some manufacturers also offer installation services.
- Synthetic Ice Rink Installers: These companies focus on the installation of synthetic ice rinks. They may work with a variety of manufacturers and can install a rink at a location of the customer’s choice. Some also offer maintenance and repair services.
5 tips on choosing the most suitable synthetic ice rink supplier
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a builder with a proven track record in constructing synthetic ice rinks. They should have a portfolio of completed projects that you can review. Their experience in the field will ensure they understand the specific requirements of building a synthetic ice rink, such as the correct dimensions, the best materials to use, and the optimal layout for player movement and spectator viewing.
- Quality of Materials and Workmanship: When choosing a synthetic ice rink builder, it’s crucial to consider the quality of materials and workmanship, as these factors significantly influence the rink’s longevity and performance.
- Check the builder’s warranty and certifications: A warranty provides a safety net for your investment, covering any potential defects, while certifications assure adherence to industry standards for quality, safety, and performance. These considerations ensure you receive a durable, high-quality synthetic ice rink that offers an excellent skating experience.
- Customer Service and Aftercare: Good customer service during the construction process is important, but so is aftercare. The builder should offer a warranty on their work and be available to assist with any issues that arise after the rink is completed. They should also provide guidance on rink maintenance to ensure your rink remains in top condition for years to come.
- Ask for a minimum of three quotes for comparison: Simplifying your project planning, our synthetic ice rink calculator allows you to input your project specifications and receive a tailored cost estimate. Additionally, it enables you to directly request quotes from leading synthetic ice rink builders in the U.S., streamlining the process for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right partner for your synthetic ice rink project is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your venture. Whether it’s for home use, professional training, or commercial purposes, the top five synthetic ice rink companies in the U.S. we’ve highlighted in this article offer a range of solutions to meet diverse needs.
Each company brings its unique strengths, from innovative design and high-quality materials to excellent customer service and aftercare. By considering factors such as experience, quality of workmanship, warranty, and customer service, you can make an informed decision that ensures your synthetic ice rink will provide years of enjoyment and performance.
Remember, the best partner for your project is one that understands your specific needs and can deliver a solution that meets those needs while providing value for your investment.
Calculate the total costs of your ice rink construction project
As you can see, quite a few options are available to help finance and fund your new ice skating rink project. But no matter which you choose, you’ll need to know the total cost of construction or repairs.
That’s why your crucial first step is to estimate the total cost of your project accurately. This allows you to determine how much grant money or loan funding you need and helps you narrow down which resources are most appropriate for your needs.
To help with this process, we’ve created an easy-to-use ice rink cost calculator. Just input some basic information, and you’ll get a comprehensive breakdown of the total costs for your project.
Now, you can get the necessary resources to bring ice skating rinks to your town!