CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Ford Ice Center-Clarksville has officially opened, with a wide range of activities for the public, from pickup hockey games to figure skating.
The ice rink is located inside F&M Bank Arena, which was granted their certificate of occupancy in February and has been holding a couple of limited arena events. Since then, Ford Ice Center employees have moved into their part of the building and began public operations on April 12.
One big goal is to expand learn-to-skate programs, continuing a mission to grow hockey to more Middle Tennessee residents. But they are working to grow figure skating as well.
“We want to invite all of Clarksville out to Ford Ice Center, whether a new or seasoned skater there’s something fun for the whole family,” Senior Manager Andrew Franklin told Clarksville Now. “We look forward to giving all players and skaters the guidance and pipeline to succeed and progress on and off the ice. Program offerings will be available for all ages and skillsets, all close to home in Montgomery County.
“It means the world to us and will be a great benefit to the community. We look forward to providing countless opportunities for new and experienced hockey and figure skaters to enjoy the new facility,” Franklin said.
Ford Ice Center offerings
Hockey-drop-in and figure skating sessions are offered now during business hours, which vary throughout the week.
Hockey drop-in sessions include stick time for players or pickup games. These sessions cost $10, and the time ranges from an hour to an hour and a half.
As for the figure skating drop-in sessions, skaters are able to freestyle as they please. These sessions will cost $5 for 30 minutes on the ice.
For more, here is the schedule for registration for hockey and figure skating.
Ford Ice Center will begin offering public skate in May or June. Public skate sessions will cost $12 per skater, and that includes rental skates to use. However, Franklin said citizens are more than welcome to bring their own skates. They will be charged the same price for admission.
Three-on-three hockey league
A three-on-three hockey league game will be played at the Ford Ice Center on Aug. 2, according to F&M Bank Arena’s website. The league, 3ICE, is made up of eight teams, and this is their second season.
3ICE will make their journey to Clarksville on week six of their regular season, which will be their last set of regular-season games before the championship series on Aug. 12 in Philadelphia. The winner will be awarded the Patrick Cup.
Tickets are on F&M Bank Arena’s website, and here are some of the teams that will be competing this upcoming season in 3ICE.
Learn to Skate Levels
Clarksville isn’t the first Ford Ice Center in Middle Tennessee; there are also locations in Antioch and Bellevue, with a variety of offerings.
At both locations, the Ford Ice Centers offer classes through the Scott Hamilton Academy Learn to Skate Programs, teaching beginners the basics.
As an example, there’s “Scott’s Tots – Discover and Play!” This specific introductory curriculum is “divided into four progressive levels allowing children with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning the basics. Scott’s Tots is for ages 3 through 6.”
In addition to classes for adolescents, they have programs for adults. One program is specifically for beginners or those who are a bit more advanced. It’s divided into six classes where skaters will progress at their own rate. The age range is 16 and up.
Youth and Adult Hockey
Ice Ford Centers also offer a multitude of hockey programs and hockey leagues.
“It’s been exciting to open the doors to the community and especially exciting to see young skaters hit the ice for the first time through our Try Hockey for Free program. It’s been great to see and get to know the local community that has already started to utilize the facility and eager to see that continue to grow,” Franklin said.
One example of a program is the Get Out and Learn Program, created by the Nashville Predators. This is a free, on-ice youth hockey series that offers kids the ability to learn about the game without purchasing equipment.
It was developed for both boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 9 with no prior hockey or skating experience. The program teaches children the basics of hockey and also the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and self-confidence.
They also offer youth and adult leagues for those interested in competing at a higher level.
Figure skating
Figure skaters will also have several options, depending on their skill level.
Advanced figure skaters can take on-ice or off-ice classes. For the classes on ice, skaters have the ability to choose between power up sessions, spin class and jumps class. For classes off of the ice, skaters can attend sessions that cover ballet, off-ice jumps and strength and conditioning.
Numerous figure skating camps and clinics take place on the Ford Ice Center rinks as well.