The cost of using the ice is going up at the Mike Modano Ice Arena in Westland. The Westland City Council approved increases in the hourly fees for ice rentals for hockey and figure skating as well as the charges for open skating and glow skating. Here's what you need to know about the Westland ice skating rink, including schedule information, prices, and available discounts.
Rate Adjustments at Mike Modano Ice Arena
The city is looking at erasing losses that the rink posted for operations last year and is on track to have this budget year. The analysis looked at the arena’s operations and how to improve revenue and contain costs with a goal of having operating revenue cover operating costs. It also looked at planned improvements for the arena and their added value for users and compared the proposed increases to those charge at area rinks.
“We really delved into the numbers, we took the time to see what the makeup is, how ice time is used and what operations are versus concessions,” Budget Director Debra Peck said. “Operations is on target to lose $28,000 this year. That’s the same as last year. Concessions had a profit of $8,000-$10,000.”
The rink has picked up some Wayne hockey teams and skating programs after that rink at the Wayne Community Center was closed. HYPE Athletics has taken over the center and is converting the ice rink into basketball courts.
“On the operations side, we looked at increasing the volume of people coming in and maximizing the ice time to get the most use,” Peck said. “We looked at additional ways to market the rink like adding a women’s league and power skate. With the renovations we’re making, we have a better room for birthday parties.”
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Taken into consideration was not only the need to cover costs, but what goes on at the arena and what people can afford, Peck added. The city also is looking at ways to improve the product mix at its “three good concession areas” at the municipal golf course, Tattan Park and the ice rink to increase revenue. The profits would be used to repay the Capital Improvement Fund for a greater portion of the proposed ice arena improvements.
“This will put the rink at break-even for operations,” Peck said, adding that the bottom line will be “pretty close” to zero as in previous years.
“This doesn’t look high, this looks affordable,” Councilman Michael Kehrer said. “We’re not jacking up the rates 50 cents just because we can.
Comparative Rates in the Area
Westland is in the middle of the pack when compared to other communities. Rates range from $214 without insurance in Livonia to $300 for USA, the former Compuware Arena. Garden City charges $200, the Artic Pond in Plymouth Township and Plymouth charge $275 and the Arctic Edge in Canton $280.
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New Fee Schedule (2015-2017 Seasons)
Under the new fee schedule, which was in place for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons, residents and non-resident paid $225 for the fall season - August-March - an increase of $15 per hour. Open skating increased by $1 for both resident and non-resident adults and children, and glow skate prices increased $3 across the board.
“The hockey leagues and figure skating club are aware of the increases,” Peck said. “The new rates are in conjunction with the improvements. I believe they will still get a good value with this rate.”
Westland Arena at the Gallagher Centre
Located in the Gallagher Centre, with a seating capacity of 1425, the Westland Arena is home to the SJHL Yorkton Terriers, Yorkton Maulers, Yorkton Minor Hockey and Skate Yorkton. Spring and summer ice rates are in effect for April, July and August annually. Regular hourly rates, including non-prime time and rush ice rates are effective September 1 through March 31 annually.
Please call the Gallagher Centre at 306-786-1740 for more information, or to request ice time. Sorry, there are no available times at the moment.
Discounts and Special Offers
Here are some discounts and special offers that might be available:
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- Group skating rates are available.
- Buy Now and Save: Receive $3 off skating admission with promo code planahead25. Offer valid only online and redeemable for up to four (4) tickets per purchase.
- Independence Blue Cross Discount: All Independence Blue Cross (IBX) cardholders and employees can receive up to four (4) skating admission tickets with proof of card (skate rental not included and can be purchased separately at the box office). Photo ID must be presented upon request to match the name on the IBX membership card.
Additional Information
- Lockers are available for $1.
- Gift certificates are available.
Note: The New Park at Penn's Landing is on the way. Due to construction, visitors might experience detours, heavy traffic, and limited parking.
