News Summary
Monsoon storms in Phoenix have caused nearly $1 million in damages to AZ Ice Arcadia, the oldest ice rink in Arizona. The storm not only destroyed critical lighting but also damaged the roof and an air conditioning unit, leading to an electrical fire. With crews already starting demolition work for repairs, the closure of the rink has left multiple hockey teams scrambling for alternative ice time, affecting their training and schedules. General manager Jim Curley is optimistic that repairs will take 6 to 8 weeks, but the full recovery timeline is still uncertain.
PHOENIX, Arizona – Monsoon storms that swept through Phoenix on Saturday have caused nearly $1 million in damages to AZ Ice Arcadia, the oldest ice rink in Arizona. General manager Jim Curley has estimated that the total recovery costs will approach this amount as the facility faces extensive repairs.
The storm led to the destruction of all the facility’s lights, which are critical for ice sports. Additionally, strong winds damaged a portion of the roof and one air conditioning unit, causing an electrical fire. In a bizarre twist, a satellite dish from a neighboring building ended up on the roof of AZ Ice Arcadia as a result of the severe weather.
Demolition work commenced on Tuesday, focusing on replacing the facility’s reflective, suspended ceiling. Water has accumulated in this ceiling area, causing it to drip down and create bumps on the ice surface. Curley reported significant damage to the rink’s surface, stating that there are “a lot of puck holes” that need to be addressed.
The roof damage extends to the second floor, where Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) locker room is located. Crews found a hole in the roof that displayed visible sky. Following an evaluation of the rink, GCU’s director for club sports expressed concerns regarding the state of the venue.
The rink’s closure has left multiple men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as numerous youth hockey squads, in a scramble to find alternative ice time. The disruption has the potential to impact the training and game schedules of college and youth hockey teams in the community, leading to rescheduling issues that may result in less favorable ice time options.
Curley is optimistic that the repairs may be completed within 6 to 8 weeks, though the full timeline for recovery remains uncertain. He emphasized that the situation extends beyond just financial implications—it is about the community and the historical significance of the rink, which has been a staple in Arizona since it was built in the 1960s.
During the demolition, crews also discovered a couple of hundred hockey pucks that had been lodged in the ceiling, highlighting the long-standing history of the rink and the passion for ice hockey present in the local community.
As AZ Ice Arcadia embarks on the long road to recovery, the impact of the storm will be felt by hockey teams of all levels, challenging their ability to maintain their regular training and competition schedules.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15: AM Roundup – Federal Government Shuts Down AZ ICE, Arcadia Sustains Major Storm Damage
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- ABC15: WNBA Playoffs Forces Jonas Brothers to Reschedule PHX Arena Show
- Google Search: AZ Ice Arcadia
- NewsBreak: AZ Ice Arcadia Faces Nearly $1 Million in Damages from Recent Monsoon Storms
- Google Scholar: Ice Rinks in Arizona
- ABC15: Poll
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Rinks
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
