About Facility
The Yanmar Ice Rink in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is a premier ice sports facility that serves as a central hub for athletic excellence and community engagement in the region. Situated in the heart of Grand Rapids, this state-of-the-art rink offers a vibrant and dynamic space for ice skating, hockey, and various other winter activities.
Featuring a meticulously maintained ice surface and modern amenities, the Yanmar Ice Rink provides an optimal environment for both competitive athletes and recreational skaters alike. The facility boasts multiple rinks, allowing for simultaneous programming and accommodating a wide range of events and activities. With spacious locker rooms, heated seating areas, and a welcoming lobby, the rink ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
As the home of the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks hockey teams and various local skating clubs, the Yanmar Ice Rink plays a crucial role in supporting the development of young talent and fostering a love for ice sports within the community. Beyond serving as a venue for organized sports, the rink also offers public skating sessions, skating lessons, and special events, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors of all ages.
“I don’t like it when I see people not taking chances. If you don’t take chances, you’ll never make advances.”
Bobby Orr – Former NHL Hockey Player
Scope of Work
Yanmar Arena has been a historic hockey venue for decades, formerly known as the IRA Civic Center. Originally built in 1962 and the ice system was installed in 1968, the facility has been transformed into a new, modern day, state-of-the art ice arena facility. B32 has been assisting the City since 2013 with planning for the replacement of the ice systems at this facility by providing replacement options, cost estimates and schedules.
Each of the two ice rinks were served by separate refrigeration systems, one a direct R-22 system and one an indirect ammonia system. After presenting all the options for systems and equipment to the City, the City selected a common ammonia-based refrigeration system to serve both ice rinks. This approach maximized the energy efficiency of the system while minimizing the capital cost. The real proof of maximum energy efficient was after a year in operation, the City saw an average reduction of approximately 32% in energy costs each month.
B32 also designed a new ice rink floor system and dasher board system for the main arena. The ice rink floor system and dasher board system in the second arena remained in place.