Anyone in the hockey and figure skating community here in Casper know that ice time is hard to come by. The supply does not meet the demand. But that could all change in the election next month.
The City of Casper is working to pass a new 6th cent sales tax to fund local projects, one of which is the expansion of the Casper Ice Arena. The city plans to use $5 million from the proposed tax to build a second ice rink. This would help meet the growing demand for ice time among hockey, and figure skating, in the community.
Currently, the Casper Ice Arena is almost completely booked during prime hours, making it difficult to schedule games and events.
Glenda Thomas, a key figure in local hockey, and advocate for a second sheet of ice explains why the extra rink is important.
“Eighty Wyoming Amateur Hockey League home games were scheduled for the Casper Oilers this week at the state scheduling meeting. Hockey families from Pinedale, Rock Springs, Laramie, Cheyenne, Douglas, Cody, Riverton, Lander, Jackson, Sheridan, and Gillette will be visiting our community on weekends from the end of October to the end of February. These games have a positive economic impact on our community. With a second sheet of ice, we would be able to schedule more games and more tournaments that would result in even more benefits to Casper hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses throughout our community,” Thomas said.
According to an article from Oil City News by Brendan Lachance, the new facility would help bring in over $240,000 annually to community businesses.
Players like Trevor Bullard, a Kelly Walsh sophomore and member of the Casper Oilers high school hockey team agrees that the extra ice would make it easier to balance practices and games.
“It will create opportunities for lots of kids allowing for an easier schedule,” Bullard said.
The total cost of adding the second ice sheet is estimated at around $11.57 million. This would include a full-sized rink, more team rooms, and additional seating for spectators. The new rink would also connect to the current facility, making it easier to run games and tournaments.
Voters in Casper will decide in November if they want to approve the 6th cent tax. If passed, the tax would help fund this expansion, along with other community projects. The benefits would include more space for athletes to train and compete, more events coming to Casper, and a positive impact on local businesses.
