HUNTSVILLE – At the “coolest spot in town,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was joined by city and Ice Sports Center officials today in a ceremonial ice breaking.
Instead of shovels for traditional groundbreaking events, Battle, Council members Bill Kling and Jennie Robinson, Ice Sports Center board Chairman David Edwards and ISC Executive Director Dita Dotson-Bowser swung pickaxes at blocks of ice to celebrate a major expansion at the ISC.
“This is one of the coolest spots in town,” Battle said. “We’re going to be chilling out.”
The $44.6 million project will more than double the size of the facility, adding 118,822 square feet to the existing 83,934 square feet.
The expansion features another arena which will seat more than 1,200 people; a second sheet of ice with five dedicated curling lanes; more locker rooms; ADA-compliant elevators and seating; as well as expanded concessions and common areas.
“This expansion will give residents even more ways to stay active while strengthening Huntsville’s ability to host tournaments and events,” Battle said. “We may live in the South, but ice sports have been part of our community for more than six decades, and this investment ensures they’ll remain an integral part of our quality of life.”
ISC Executive Director Dita Dotson-Bowser, who grew up skating at the original Ice Palace off Governors Drive, said the expansion will help meet growing demand for ice time.
“For years, our biggest challenge hasn’t been interest in ice sports – it’s been space,” Dotson-Bowser said. “This expansion gives us room to host new sporting events and programs, offer more public sessions and create new opportunities for people to experience the joy of skating, hockey and curling.”
The arena is expected to open in late 2026 and the curling facility in early 2027.
“This is an absolutely exciting project,” Kling said. “We are a growing city with people arriving here from all over the country. It’s important to be able to offer quality of life amenities such as the Ice Sports Center and this project will expand those opportunities for years to come.”
Project features
- A second sheet of ice with five curling surfaces
- A new arena with 1,254 competition-ready spectator seats
- Expanded men’s and new women’s locker rooms
- ADA-compliant elevators and accessible seating throughout
- Warm room, coaching office, referee locker rooms
- Concessions, Grab & Go area, and expanded lobby space
- Ice mechanical plant, resurfacing storage, and laundry room
