Ice skating is more than a fun time on the ice with friends.

It’s more than competing in hockey on the weekend.

On a macro scale, ice skating is a multimillion-dollar industry that will see at least 4% growth in the next five years.

If you’re looking to capitalize on this industry, blending business with a passion, you can start your own synthetic ice rink.

However, the process can be daunting, so you should consider renting a rink.

Thinking About Your Next Ice Venture? 

You must be asking, “How do I find a synthetic ice rink rental near me?” and, “Should I rent versus buy?”

Don’t worry. We got all the ‘what, why, and how’ of synthetic ice rinks.  

Synthetic vs. natural ice 

If you’ve got this far, you have an idea of what is a synthetic ice rink.

For the uninitiated, synthetic ice is a special polymer panel or tile that you can skate on with your metal blades.

The panels are made of high-quality polyethylene, infused with a special liquid agent to enhance skating.

It’s been around for decades and has been part of ice rinks, large and small. 

Synthetic ice is a common alternative to natural ice rinks and refrigerated ice rinks.

Both need water and low temperatures to achieve the desired result – an ice-cold, skateable surface.

Natural ice rinks depend on water and freezing weather, while refrigerated rinks use water, a coolant, and refrigeration machines to keep a constant temperature.

These are the rinks you see at Rockefeller Center in the winter or at your favorite NHL team.  

 

Why should you rent a synthetic ice rink? 

You'll need an upfront investment if you want to start a sizeable commercial rink.

That investment determines whether you’ll buy a rink outright or rent it.

Buying a rink gives you ownership, but the costs can be astounding, especially for a refrigerated rink.  

Renting a synthetic rink has several advantages, especially for new entrepreneurs.

When you rent a synthetic ice rink, you’ll receive all the panels for your chosen rink size.

The provider may also give the client rink walls to make sure the experience is safe for skaters.

There is usually a rental agreement paid upfront or monthly. When you’re done, you can return the parts without fuss.

Here are a few more benefits to consider: 

A cost-effective solution 

Going synthetic can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Refrigerated ice rinks are expensive to rent.

They need expert installers to set up the rink.

The rink also needs support staff to maintain the ice and refrigeration unit.

A sizeable synthetic ice rink can split that cost in half since the panels are durable and easy to store.  

Rinks are income-generating 

Rinks attract hundreds of skaters every month for different disciplines.

You’ll get figure skaters, recreational skaters, and hockey players, each wanting some rink time.

With the proper Marketing, this demand makes it a lucrative rental opportunity.

Going synthetic means that the rink won’t eat into your profits.

Since it’s cheaper to install and maintain, a synthetic rink rental puts more money into your pocket.  

Year-round skating 

Natural ice rinks are limited by the weather, meaning they can only work for a few months.

Refrigerated ice rinks can operate for much longer, with many available throughout the year.

However, the cost of maintenance increases over time.

Synthetic ice rinks are usable year-round, meaning you can rent them for longer and earn more over the lifetime of the rental.

Customers can use the rink in the off-season to train, or you can hold events to attract new skaters come wintertime.

Easy to install and remove 

Can you install an ice rink in just a couple of hours?

With synthetic ice rinks, you can.

Once you gauge the size of your commercial space and provide the dimensions, a quote can be provided to meet your specific needs.

Rinks can be assembled in just a few hours using simple tools.

Removing the rink is just as easy, leaving a damage-free space.  

Indoor and outdoor use 

You can use both refrigerated and synthetic ice rinks indoors and outdoors.

Refrigerated rinks, however, still rely on cooler temperatures.

Refrigeration uses more power relative to the external ambient temperature.

In the warmer spring and summer months, it will no longer be practical to have an outdoor refrigerated rink.

You will also need more space to house the refrigeration components, which can be challenging for renters.  

Synthetic ice rinks can work year-round and in any weather.

Since they are made of polyethylene, the material is more robust and more durable, regardless of temperature.

However, in the warmer months, the molecules separate slightly, so renters should be aware of the swelling.  

Multiple uses, one rink 

When your rink is set up, there’s no limit to what you can do.

Rinks are great for most ice sports, like curling, ice hockey, and figure skating. Make sure to schedule time to accommodate each practice.

Rink renters are also surprised to find out that you can also roller skate on synthetic ice.

Set up competitions, events, and other revenue-generating ideas to make the most out of your rink.  

Who should rent synthetic ice rinks? 

If you want a rink for your large backyard, barn, or other personal space, you should buy one outright.

While it is a more considerable upfront investment, you will save thousands in rent and maintenance over time.

If it’s for commercial use, you should consider factors like: 

• Foot traffic 
• Demand for skating 
• Accessibility to skating equipment for customers 
• People looking for niche experiences 

With these factors in mind, we have noticed that these businesses and renters have fantastic success with synthetic ice rinks: 

Carnivals and state fairs 

Are you running a carnival or state fair?

A synthetic ice rink is a great money-making activity to go alongside your rides and Bobbing for Apples.

Carnivals and fairs usually have enough space to hold a large rink and the polyethylene panels mean that skating can happen anytime in the year.  

Recreational businesses 

These businesses include bowling alleys, sports complexes, and your Dave and Buster’s type of establishments.

If you have space in the parking lot or a large indoor area, turn it into an ice rink.

The added experience of skating can turn your spot into a multipurpose establishment.  

Birthday parties and niche events 

Do you have a party or special event on the horizon that involves ice?

Then consider a synthetic ice rink rental near me.

You can impress your guests with a frozen dinner on ice or bring your office team together with a skating activity in the parking lot.

You can even host figure skating competitions and other shows on the ice.

The challenge is finding a supplier to rent for a one-off event versus a long-term rental. 

Off-Season Ski Resorts 

The ski resort and other winter sports comprise a multibillion-dollar industry.

However, unprepared resorts lose revenue in the off-season.

Hotter months mean no snow, and you can’t attract customers.

Synthetic ice rinks can allow some places to have more skating year-round.

It’s beneficial since climate change is cutting into the market. 

For rooftop recreation 

Over the winter, it’s not uncommon for Children’s museums, hotels, and other places of interest to have synthetic ice rinks on rooftops, atop multistory car parks, near atriums, or other spaces.

It’s a fantastic sight, especially during the holidays.

It can also attract more seasonal businesses.

Don’t let the Rockefeller Center take all the glory! 

The ‘Synthetic ice rink rental near me’ steps 

What do you do if you’re looking for a synthetic ice rink rental?

It can start with a simple online search. Our team sells synthetic ice tiles and panels, but we can also help with your rental needs.

When you find a potential rink provider, please provide them with the possible rink dimensions and your intended use for the rink.

They should get you a quote for the panels (you’ll need more robust panels for more foot traffic) and rink walls.

Next, find testimonials or use

Trust reviews for some due diligence.

Once everyone is on board, the renter can install your rink in just a few hours.  

It’s time to rent your rink. 

Rinks are an excellent commercial investment.

You can rent time to skaters, hold private events, or your event on ice.

However, the initial investment and upkeep can be expensive, especially for refrigerated rinks.

A synthetic ice rink is a great, cost-effective alternative.

Skaters get a similar experience on the ice, and you save both time and money while increasing your profits.

They are also easy to customize, meaning you can scale your rink or ensure it fits your specific space.

Look for durable, high-quality ice that is easy to maintain, and you’ll enjoy it for months on end.