UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Pegula Ice Arena will reopen for community programming Monday, September 7 with special health and safety procedures in place. Once open, Pegula Ice Arena will remain open so long as Centre County remains in the green phase of Pennsylvania's reopening plan.
In the initial reopening phase, the following programs will be offered: coffee club, freestyles, sticktimes and private lessons. Private ice rentals are available as well. In accordance with current state orders, a maximum of 25 people will be permitted at one time. In an effort to be as contactless as possible, skaters are REQUIRED to pre-register for programming. No walk-in skaters will be permitted at this time.
Masks and social distancing, as well as temperature checks, will be required for all persons entering Pegula Ice Arena. Temperatures must be below 100.4 degrees in order to skate. Patrons of Pegula Ice Arena must wear a mask as soon as they leave their vehicle until they step onto the ice (masks are not required while skating). Locker rooms will not be available during this Phase 1 of reopening, therefore skaters should arrive dressed and ready to get onto the ice. Pegula Ice Arena staff will assign where each group will put on their skates and store their belongings. Storage lockers will not be available.
Skaters are asked to enter and exit through Gate C and check-in no earlier than 15 minutes before their ice session to assist in social distancing. If skaters arrive more than 15 minutes prior to their ice session, they will be asked to stay in their cars. Only participants will be allowed inside Pegula Ice Arena. The exception being for those children 12 and under or others who need assistance, one parent may come in to assist and must stay in the designated area while their skater is on the ice. There will be social distance markings throughout the stands. All skaters must leave Pegula Ice Arena within 15 minutes of the end of their ice session.
Hand sanitizing stations, sneeze guards and physical distancing signage is being added throughout the arena. Water bottle refilling stations will remain available, while water fountains and vending machines will not. Common areas and high touch objects will be cleaned and sanitized frequently, including between ice sessions.
Pegula Ice Arena staff members are being provided masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, as well as training for enhanced safety procedures. Employees will be temperature checked before their shift begins. Any employee with a temperature above 100.4 degrees will not be permitted to work that day.
Subway, Auntie Anne's, Brazilian Munchies, Duck Donuts and any Pegula Ice Arena concession stands will remain closed at this time.
Session description and fees are as follows:
- Coffee Club ($11.00) – 1-hour open ice available to figure skaters, ages 18 and above. Low key skate open to all levels – no jumping or private lessons permitted. No coffee will be served in phase I and no outside food or beverage is permitted.
- Freestyle ($5.50) – open ice available to figure skaters in Pre-Freeskate or above. Private lessons can happen during these sessions (if pre-registered and paid for in advance). Freestyle sessions in phase I will be 30 minutes in length.
- Sticktime ($7.50) – open ice for hockey players to work on their skills. Sticktimes occur in two age groups – 18 & Under or All Ages. A helmet with full face shield is required to participate. Sticktime sessions in phase I will be 45 minutes in length.
- Private Ice Rental ($285/hour) – in this initial reopening phase, only registered user groups can reserve ice.
Registration for coffee club, freestyle and sticktimes will open next week. Visit www.PegulaIceArena.com or the Pegula Ice Arena social media channels for updates. Emails will also be sent once registration is available.
As of July 6, 2020, normal university parking regulations and enforcement are in effect. Pegula Ice Arena visitor parking information can be found here.
Skaters are strongly urged to observe the following recommendations:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Thoroughly wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60-95 percent alcohol, if soap and water aren't available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Refrain from shaking hands, high-fives and other close personal contact.