FAQs

Why does the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena need to be renovated?

• The existing arena was built in 1973 and some of the existing 48-year old mechanical equipment is failing
• In 2017, the main rink had a cooling pipe leak in the arena concrete floor slab
• In 2019, the ice plant compressor failed due to an electrical surge
• In 2020, a cooling tower pump failed
• In 2021, a piston rod broke in one of the compressors
• Some ice plant mechanical system parts are not available or are very scarce due to their age
• The R-22 ice plant cooling refrigerant is no longer produced due to new EPA requirements
• Only one of the four main arena ceiling hung mechanical units is operational.
• There is no main ice arena spectator heating system
• Many of the architectural finishes (counters, benches, flooring) have exceeded their useful life
• Many of the areas in the arena do not meet current ADA requirements (bleachers, door openings, player benches, drinking fountains)
• The light fixtures in the lobby/concession area are not energy efficient
• The main ice arena cannot to be used year-round due to the lack of a sub-soil heating system
• The existing locker rooms are significantly undersized
• The Birmingham High School hockey teams do not have a locker room large enough to accommodate their full team
• The aisle between the player benches and locker rooms is too tight for proper user passage
• The arena lacks updated technology features (Wi-Fi, wayfinding, communications)