Bloomington Ice Garden
Parks and Recreation Links
Bloomington Ice Garden will be closed March 9 - Fall 2025 for construction as part of the BIG Modernization Project.
The project includes major mechanical and roof upgrades, Rink 3 converted to NHL size, indoor training area, upgrades to ticketing, security, office, ADA accessibility and concessions, renovated locker rooms and restrooms.
To learn more, follow the progress, and stay engaged on the project, visit bloomingtonforward.org.
The Bloomington Ice Garden opened in 1970 with one rink. BIG now has three rinks, one of them Olympic-sized, and boasts a seating capacity of 2,500.
During the winter, you may also visit Bloomington's outdoor skating rinks.
Designed for working on individual hockey skills. Open to hockey players of all ages. Players can spend time with a coach, parent or on your own.
- Dates and Times
- September 6, 2024 - March 7, 2025
- Monday, Friday: 6 - 7 a.m.
- Bloomington School Release Days – Generally 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. Check online or with BIG to verify.
- March 10 - October 1, 2025
- Closed for remodel
- September 6, 2024 - March 7, 2025
- Fees and Discounts
- $12 per person per session
- Coupon books available.
- 11 coupons for $115
- $12 per person per session
- Rules and Requirements
- Helmet and mouth guard required.
- Bring own sticks and pucks.
Schedule subject to change. Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm ice availability.
NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm ice availability. NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
- Dates and Times
- Monday - Friday
- Occasionally offered Saturday and Sunday. Contact BIG for availability.
- Monday - Friday
- Fees and Discounts
- $12 per person per hour
- Coupon books available.
- 11 coupons for $115
- $12 per person per hour
All coaches must submit a copy of their certificate of insurance to the Bloomington Ice Garden office in person or by emailing it to BIG@bloomingtonmn.gov before coaching on Pro’s Ice.
Pro's Ice Certificate of Insurance example
All coaches and skaters using pro’s ice should familiarize themselves with Bloomington Ice Garden's Pro’s Ice Policy prior to taking the ice.
Open to anyone who just wants to spend some time on the ice!
- Dates and Times
- September 3, 2024 - March 9, 2025
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Bloomington School Release Days – Generally 9 - 10:30 a.m. Check online or with BIG to verify.
- Sunday, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
- No skating Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1, Feb. 9
- March 9 through Fall 2025
- Closed for remodel
- September 3, 2024 - March 9, 2025
- All participants must be able to skate by themselves – no one may be carried.
- Schedule subject to change. Additional dates occasionally offered. Visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm availability.
- NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
- Fees and Discounts
- All ages: $5
- Coupon Book: $25 for 6 coupons
- Skate sharpening: $8
- Skate rental: $5
IMPORTANT NOTE
Bloomington Ice Garden will be closed March 9 - Fall 2025 for construction as part of the BIG Modernization Project.
For more details and updates on the modernization project, visit bloomingtonforward.org/big.
If you are interested in purchasing ice time at BIG, please visit blm.mn/ice-schedule to confirm availability. Then call 952-563-8841 or email big@bloomingtonmn.gov to reserve your spot.
NOTE: In the ice scheduling system, "BIG1, BIG2, BIG3" under the Schedules drop-down equate to Ice Garden rinks 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
RATES
- Prime Time (Mon-Fri, 3-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.): $258/hour + tax
- Evening Times (after 9:30 p.m.): $187/hour + tax
Watch Kennedy and Jefferson high school teams, Bloomington Youth Association (Jefferson and Bloomington Girls Hockey) games, and tournaments live from the comfort of your home--or anywhere you have internet connectivity!
Bloomington Ice Garden partners with MNHockey.tv to live stream games and events.* There is a fee for the service, but you can get 10% off by using voucher code 4013 when making your purchase.
*Not all games/events are live streamed. Contact playsupport@spiideo.com for MNHockey.tv technical support and questions regarding game/event availability.
Tickets for hockey games, tournaments, figure skating events and other activities at Bloomington Ice Garden are generally available for purchase in one of three ways:
- In-person at Bloomington Ice Garden main office
- By phone at 952-563-8841
- Online at: vancoevents.com
Not all events/activities offer all three options.
The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School offers skating lessons year round. View the Skate School brochure linked below for a complete list of session dates, class times and prices.
Online registration is required - click here
Registration deadline is 10 a.m. the day prior to the first day of class for each session.
The mission of Learn to Skate USA is to provide a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. As the only ice skating program endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, US Speedskating and the Professional Skaters Association, Learn to Skate USA offers every participant a rewarding experience rooted in the lifelong benefits of ice skating.
Skate School Curriculum
Snowplow Sam (age 3-6+)
Snowplow Sam 1-4 invites children ages 3 - 6+ to learn the joys of ice skating in a safe, introductory setting. Young skaters will have fun while learning how to fall and get back up, how to march across the ice and ultimately build confidence in themselves and their abilities. The classes, divided into four progressive levels for kids with no prior skating experience, help preschool-age skaters develop the coordination and strength to move across the ice.
Upon completing the Snowplow Sam curriculum, skaters can enter Basic Skills at their corresponding level or move on to pursue a specific discipline.
Basic 1-6 (age 5+)
The Basic Skills curriculum is available to skaters age 5 and above who are taking their first steps on the ice. Instructors use engaging activities to teach the FUNdamentals of ice skating. The six progressive levels introduce forward and backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers and turns with agility, balance, coordination, and speed as main focuses. Through these skills, skaters enter the first stage of skills to begin exploring the world of skating.
Upon completing the Basic Skills curriculum, skaters will be set up to choose whatever path in skating they desire. Whether they’re looking to land an Axel, score a hat trick or speed across the finish line, Basic Skills sets skaters up for success.
Free Skate (age 6+)
The next step after passing Basic 6. Each free skate level (Pre and 1-6) is comprised of a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps, all of which build on the previous skill. Free Skate instruction provides skaters with a strong foundation of all elements.
Adults (age 13+)
The Adult curriculum is designed for both beginning and experienced adult skaters who wish to improve their skating skills. Participation in the program will help promote physical fitness and improve balance and coordination while teaching proper skating techniques. This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable part of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Adult skater working on advanced moves, jumps and spins should register for the Adult Freeskate Class.
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Have questions or need more information? Contact Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator, at 952-563-4626 or rgelecinskyj@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Details on the 2025 Ice Show are coming soon.
The performance schedule is March 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 1 p.m. at Bloomington Ice Garden.
Registration opens in early December, 2024.
2024 Ice Show: Gliding Around the Globe
The 2024 Ice Show captures your imagination with performances based on themes from around the world, including Austria, Brazil, England, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, the United States and more!
Information for Participants
The annual Ice Show takes place March 15, 7 p.m. and March 16, 1 p.m. at Bloomington Ice Garden. Participant registration opens in early December. A dress rehearsal takes place March 14, 6 p.m. and is open to everyone.
Meet new friends and have fun! All registered Skate School participants and Figure Skating Club of Bloomington members are welcome to be a part of the annual ice show. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate.
This professional style event featuring spotlights, costumes, fun choreography and great music is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your skating skills to friends, family, neighbors and others in the community.
Information for Guests
Purchase Ice Show tickets in advance online at blm.mn/big-tickets or in person the day of the show(s) at Bloomington Ice Garden.
Ticket sales are nonrefundable.
FEATURED PERFORMANCES
March 15, 7 p.m.
March 16, 1 p.m.
- Advance Ticket Sales: (February 26 - March 14)
- Adults (18-61) - $8
- Seniors (62+) - $6
- Youth (6-17) - $6
- Children (0-5) - Free
- At the Door: March 15 & 16
- Adults (18-61) - $10
- Seniors (62+) - $8
- Youth (6-17) - $8
- Children (0-5) - Free
DRESS REHEARSAL
March 14, 6 p.m.
- Advance and At the Door
- Adults, Seniors, Youth - $5
- Children - Free
The annual Ice Show is co-sponsored by the Figure Skating Club of Bloomington.
Have questions or need more information? Contact Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator, at rgelecinskyj@bloomingtonmn.gov.
The annual Ice Show is co-sponsored by the Figure Skating Club of Bloomington.
Revisit a past Ice Show
Visit BIG and enjoy a 30-minute adult group lesson with a Skate School coach. You'll get an active workout on the entire ice surface while meeting new people and learning new skills. Bring your own skates or use BIG's rental skates at no cost!
Before and after the lesson, take advantage of 30 minutes of free, self-guided practice time. Individual lessons will also be available at a cost of $10 for 10 minutes.
Skate School Adult Coffee Club Details
When: Wednesdays, September 4, 2024 - March 5, 2025
- Practice: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Group Lesson: 12 - 12:30 p.m.
- Practice: 12:30 - 1 p.m.
No class October 16, December 25, January 1.
Where: Rink 3
Who: Adult skaters ages 18 and above of all skill and experience levels are welcome
Fee(s): $25 per person per day
- Includes one free coffee or fountain beverage.
- Pay at the front office upon arrival.
- Skate rental is free (if needed).
- Private lessons can be paid directly to the coach.
For more details, contact: Rene Gelecinskyj, Skate School Coordinator at 952-563-4626 or rgelecinskyj@BloomingtonMN.gov
Think BIG for your meetings and celebration events!
Bloomington Ice Garden offers packages for birthdays and other special events, and room rentals for meetings of all kinds.
The Basics
- One (1) hour of private ice rental. Have the entire sheet of ice to yourself for 60 minutes!
- Private room rental.
- Free rental skates
- Fee: $350+tax
Food and Beverages
- Food and beverage add-ons can be arranged through BIG Concessions.
- Options and prices vary.
- Or bring in your own food and beverages.
- BIG staff will provide a safe, cool and clean space for your party, and clean up afterwards as well!
Expert Help
- Have guests who may not be proficient skaters? Not to worry. Skating instructors are available to help your party guests learn to skate.
- Fee: $50/hour/instructor.
Reservations and More Information
To make a reservation or get more details on birthday and special event options at BIG, contact us at 952-563-8841, MN Relay 711 or BIG@bloomingtonmn.gov.
Bloomington Ice Garden has spaces available for rent for a variety of meetings and other uses. See room types and information below, and then contact BIG at 952-563-8841, MN Relay 711, or big@bloomingtonmn.gov for more details.
Multi-Purpose Room
- Size: 55' x 22'
- Capacity – 50-65 w/tables and chairs (we have both rectangular and round tables)
- 75-85 - Chairs only
- 100 – no tables or chairs
- Room amenities: Hardwood floors, exterior view, roller shades, pull down projector screen and portable projector (additional charge)
Rink 1 Meeting Room
- Size 14x22
- Conference room table for 10-12 people
- Space for additional seating (not at table) also available
General Information
- Room rental rates: $20-35/hour
- Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (may vary throughout the year)
- Concessions: Available through Arena Concession Stand
- Projector: Available for rental from $50/hour
- Half- and full-iday rates available
Additional Spaces
Several public spaces at BIG may also be reserved for events. Availability depends on event/activity schedule at the arena.
How to Register for Parks and Rec Programs Online
Many programs, such as BIG Skate School, require a household account for the City of Bloomington WebTrac site. To help you register online, please review the instructions below.
- WebTrac: How to Create an Account
- WebTrac: How to Register for an Activity (coming soon)