Can you hear the howl? The National Hockey League (NHL) Phoenix Coyotes team is on the hunt. Although their home games are currently played at Jobing.com Arena, they return to their original rink for practices in North Scottsdale. The Coyotes Ice Den is an impressive 150,000 square foot entertainment center featuring so much more than just skating. Originally built for all of the Coyotes games, it contains 3 NHL regulation size ice rinks that now serve as practice rinks for the Coyotes as well as visiting NHL teams. The rinks are also open to all skaters from beginners to professionals for public skating, hockey, figure skating, curling, and off the ice entertainment too.
If you need a place to cool off while getting your exercise, the Ice Den is the perfect choice. The rink stays at a crisp 52 degrees year round. Even in the summer, skaters are encouraged to wear pants for warmth, and safety reasons. Public skating sessions are held each Friday and Saturday evening. The sessions are lots of fun with a live DJ spinning music, disco light shows, and even laser light shows. Each skate session is two hours long, and is a treat for the whole family. Ice skates are available for rent. If you’re concerned about your little one who may not be too steady on their skates yet, Skate Trainers are available for rent. These trainers are small bars that provide a steady platform for younger skaters. Think of them as “training wheels” but for skating. Another way to get in on the action is to take the Learn To Skate classes offered at the Ice Den. Different classes are offered for all skill levels ages 4 to adult. Private classes are available by appointment, and if you’d like to rent out the entire rink for team building or parties, that is available as well. Birthday parties are always cool at the Ice Den! Visit their website to book a party package that includes pizza, soda, cake, skate admission, a ride on the Zamboni for the birthday person and more!
If you already know how to skate, and want to take your love of the ice to the next level, several sports teams are available to join. Figure skating is one activity available. Called Skaterice here, many of the Ice Den skaters have competed on national and international levels with the U.S. Figure Skating team. The Ice Den has even been recognized by USA Today and Olympic champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi as a “Top 10” rink in the nation. The Ice Den is also home to the Arizona Coyotes Curling Club. The Coyotes Curling Club was established in 2003, and is the only one of its kind in Arizona. The sport is enjoyable and competitive in the Olympics. No expensive gear is required to start as you are able to rent what you need, and learn the sport at your leisure. Another popular sport is what the complex was originally built for- hockey. From beginning hockey players, to NHL professionals, this contact sport is fun for all ages. If you’re more of a spectator, you’re welcome to come watch the players, and take advantage of the free wifi available in the lobby.
When you’re not skating or engaged in friendly sport competitions, a state-of-the-art 12,500 square foot Mountain Side Fitness Center is available. With a full basketball court, personal trainers, and all of the workout equipment you’d expect from a full gym, Mountainside appeals to the fitness junkie in you. A recent addition to the Ice Den is Turf. During the hot summer months, one of the ice rinks is transformed into a turf field great for sports and activities like soccer, lacrosse, flag football, and of course, field hockey. This field is large enough to be partitioned off allowing for 2 to 3 cross field games to happen at once. This field is also where Cool Camp happens. Cool Camp is a great weekly day camp for youngsters to attend during the summer. The field is indoors, air conditioned, and games, snacks, lunch, and fun activities are planned each day to keep the little ones entertained.
The Ice Den offers some great food choices for meal and snack time. If you get hungry while competing or at a public skate, the Chilly Bean cafe is a good place to take a break and sit back with a hot coffee, ICEE, or Italian Soda. Muffins, pretzels, and hot dogs are among some of the fare offered to keep you satisfied and give you energy on the ice. If you’re an early riser, breakfast at Over Easy is the best start to the day ahead. Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives” Guy Fieri once stopped in to give it a try. It was also named in Food Network’s magazine as Best Breakfast in Arizona. Whether you’re in the mood for an omelet, french toast, sausage, or just a bagel, they’ve got you covered. The newest addition to the Ice Den is the 18 Degrees Neighborhood Grill. A family friendly restaurant with a sports bar feel, 18 Degrees opens when Over Easy closes and stays open late offering menu choices like burgers, salads, roasted chicken, and pizza.
What would a Scottsdale entertainment center be without some shopping? Divalicious is a womens clothing boutique offering great fashion at affordable prices. There’s also the Coyotes Ice Sports Pro Shop. The Pro Shop has everything you need for all the sports that the arena offers. From skates to skate sharpeners, gloves, figure skating outfits, fan and player hockey gear, you’ll be able to find everything you need. Gift cards are also available for those times when you’re not sure what to get. Partnership opportunities are available for companies throughout the valley. Placements on the sides of the rinks, and on the Zamboni are first come, first serve.
Since opening in 1998, the Ice Den has won awards year after year, and continues to provide sports excellence, as well as being a fun, inviting place for families, kids, and sports teams. The only facility of it’s kind in Arizona, it’s worth the trip to North Scottsdale anytime of year for some good, clean, cold fun. The Ice Den is true to it’s word when it says that it’s “more than just ice.”
Coyotes Ice Den- A Scottsdale One Feature
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