UI Ice Arena

When you find yourself in the city of Champaign, it is impossible to miss the legendary UI Ice Arena, which local residents affectionately call the “Big Pond”. This sports facility, belonging to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is not just a rink, but a true symbol of Illinois sports traditions in the USA.

The arena stands out from others due to its unique architecture: massive arched brick walls give it a historical charm rarely found in modern sports complexes. Inside lies an unconventional sized ice field, making the venue one of the few in the country suitable for hosting international short track speed skating competitions of the highest level.

Today, this place serves as the home for the Illinois Fighting Illini hockey teams and brings together figure skating enthusiasts, professional speed skaters, and students. The facility covers over 55,000 square feet, offering spectators cozy balcony seating with an excellent view of everything happening on the ice.

To check the current public session schedule or ice rental conditions, you can contact the facility management directly. The arena is managed by the University of Illinois Campus Recreation department, whose staff is always ready to help visitors with organizational questions. Please remember that on days of major matches or holiday events, the operating schedule may change significantly.

The main attraction at the UI Ice Arena remains the public skating sessions. This is a great opportunity to get onto the historic ice to music, feel the arena's chill, and escape from daily chores. For those who are just planning to start skating, Learn to Skate lessons are regularly held here, suitable for both children and adults.

If you prefer the role of a spectator, be sure to attend a hockey match featuring the university teams. The energy of the stands during Fighting Illini games is off the charts, and themed nights make every event unique. You can also watch graceful performances by synchronized skating teams or high-speed races by short track masters.

For more experienced athletes, the arena offers stick-and-puck sessions to hone stick-handling techniques, or freestyle sessions for figure skaters. During holiday periods, special events are organized, such as Moonlight Skates — atmospheric night skating sessions that are particularly popular among students and young people.

The UI Ice Arena is located in the heart of the university campus at 406 E Armory Ave. If you prefer public transportation, use the MTD (Mass Transit District) bus network in the city of Champaign. Routes #5, #10, and #22 pass near the arena, running regularly between various parts of the city and the academic buildings.

For those coming from the downtown area, a taxi or Uber ride will take no more than 5–10 minutes, which is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the rink. If you enjoy walking, the stroll from the city center takes about 20–30 minutes through the picturesque streets of the campus. For those who prefer active travel, there are convenient bike lanes leading right to the entrance.

Travelers arriving in the region via University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) can expect a 15–20 minute drive. Parking zones are provided near the arena itself; however, during school hours, it is recommended to check campus parking regulations in advance to avoid fines.

The history of the UI Ice Arena began in 1931, when it was designed by the famous Chicago architectural firm Holabird and Root. These same masters worked on legendary sites such as Illinois Memorial Stadium and Soldier Field in Chicago, which explains the majestic look of the brick walls with their characteristic arches.

Interestingly, the rink was originally even larger than its current impressive size. Even today, it remains one of the largest indoor ice sheets in the USA. Thanks to its unique dimensions (60 by 35 meters), it hosted the very first World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in 1976. Up to nine skaters could fit on the starting line of this arena simultaneously, while the standards of most other rinks were limited to six.

The ice of this arena has seen many Olympic triumphs. Legendary speed skating champions have trained here, including Bonnie Blair, who won gold medals at three consecutive Winter Olympics. In 2024, university students expressed their loyalty to the historic facility: in a referendum, 88% of voters supported the introduction of a special fee for a large-scale renovation of the building, which is now 93 years old.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and skating at the UI Ice Arena, a typical visitor will need between 1.5 to 3 hours. This is enough time to rent skates, spend a full hour on the ice during a public session, and relax a bit after your activity.

If your goal is to attend an exciting Illinois Fighting Illini university hockey match or watch a figure skating competition, you should plan for 3–4 hours, including time for entry and intermissions. For those planning to attend special workshops or holiday events, the program may last for the entire afternoon.

Typically, the doors of the UI Ice Arena are open for public skating on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and on weekends from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. However, it is important to understand that this is only the basic schedule for the general public.

Since the facility is actively used by university teams and clubs, operating hours may change depending on the training process and competition schedule. It is highly recommended to check the official website before your visit to ensure there is an open session on your chosen day.

A visit to the ice arena can easily be combined with a walk around the University of Illinois campus, which is an attraction in itself. The surrounding area is filled with historic buildings, cozy squares, and interesting sites reflecting the rich scientific and cultural life of the region.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of the college town and see unique places, such as the country's oldest experimental fields or the whimsical round barns.