NCET Biz Tips: Reno Ice is providing northern Nevada with Olympic quality systems

After a six-year-long development, fundraising, and construction process, Reno Ice plans to open its doors for public skate sessions later in December. As the only NHL regulation ice rink in the area, the nonprofit organization is innovatively equipped to bring community dreams to life.

Joel Grace, President of the Board of Directors for Reno Ice, explained a little about the process of launching a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Well, the bottom line is that we’re dealing with people’s lives,” Grace said. “My wife’s a teacher, and I see what these kids go through. So, we’re going to be as safe as possible.”

With an online reservation system designed to minimize lobby interaction, customers will be able to complete waivers, rent equipment, and pay before arriving at the rink.

Reno Ice is also looking into a virtual platform called LiveBarn to provide a 180-degree view of the ice rink so parents, family, friends, and fans can watch games or practices on a mobile device from the comfort of their home.

“We’re hoping we can provide a safe outlet for the kids and their families during this time,” Grace said.

As a capital campaign, the Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association worked diligently to bring Reno Ice to life.

After years of research, the organization located an intelligent ice system from Germany, which provides real-time feedback on how operations are working.

In addition to the intelligent ice system, a Level-Ice system delivers flawless results as it is in total communication with the electric Zamboni.

Operators can focus on driving as the leveling system simultaneously controls the blades to achieve accurate and level ice surfaces.

For efficiency and sustainability, the Zamboni is powered by lithium-ion batteries instead of propane, so fumes aren’t being emitted into the ice rink.

Other ice systems typically use closed ammonia systems, leading to potential leaks and problems down the road. However, Reno Ice uses Aqua Ammonia to keep the operating plant’s temperatures consistent as it heats up and cools down.

“Right now, our operating plant is about 40 percent more efficient,” Grace said. “We are the first full-size rink in the country to implement this system that was used in the last four Olympics.”

With a high-tech surround-sound system, Reno Ice will be an excellent location for future birthday parties. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, there will be a disco ball and projections on the ice for some roller-like fun.

As a nonprofit organization, Reno Ice needs support from community members and sponsors to ensure programs and staff are well funded.

“If one kid gets the opportunity to either go to college for some sort of ice sport, or goes into the Olympics, or goes into the NHL or becomes a professional figure skater, then it’s all worth it,” Grace said.

Get an exclusive tour of Reno’s new state-of-the-art ice arena during NCET’s Tech Wednesday virtual networking event from 4 – 4:30 pm and its live streaming event from 4:30 – 5:30 pm on Jan. 13. For more information, visit www.NCETwed.org

Dave Archer is president/CEO of NCET, which produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. (www.NCET.org)