Iceville will return but skaters could pay next year

Popular Mosaic rink also likely to open earlier

Once won't be enough for Iceville.

Tim Reid, president and CEO of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), confirmed Monday that the massive ice rink would be installed for a second season at Mosaic Stadium. The success of the skating rink located on the Mosaic Stadium playing surface and the opportunity to generate revenue from the initiative are among the reasons for Iceville's return.

Registration was free this year with a limit of six people per group, but tickets were required to book spots. Private bookings were available at a nominal cost.

“One of our objectives for Iceville this year was to make sure that it was free and accessible,” Reid said. “On an average week, we would see 40,000 people trying to find spaces. We recognized that there was a massive demand for people looking for an opportunity to skate.”

That demand means REAL is considering a fee to use Iceville when it reopens for the 2021-22 season.

“When you recognize there are over 200,000 people that want to go for a skate, you actually validate your business model,” Reid said. “You will see it come back next year and we will make sure that it's successful from a price tag. Because of that, you will see some kind of fee. We know there are 200,000 to 300,000 people who want to go for a skate and that should bring in a fairly significant revenue stream.”

The popularity of Iceville means REAL is looking at extending the season. Iceville officially opened on Jan. 24 and was shut down on Sunday due to the warming temperatures.

“Really, it's up to Mother Nature,” Reid said. “When the weather gets cold enough to build ice, we should have an opportunity to do so. Our goal would be to have this open prior to the holiday season so those of us who want to spend time with family and friends can go out for a skate.”

Reid said that 200,000 people registered and 13,000 participants and over 90 community groups skated.

In lieu of fees, skaters were encouraged to bring donations for the Regina Food Bank. A total of 5,500 pounds of food was donated, generating enough for 5,000 meals.

Iceville cost $200,000 to build, of which approximately $180,000 was recouped through sponsorships and grants. Reid said the $20,000 in remaining expenses was one of the best investments that REAL has ever made.