Closure Announcement 

We are sad to announce the closure of Ice-Plex, effective immediately. This was not an easy decision. Our hockey and skating communities have been strong partners to us throughout the years, and we have worked hard over the last few months to find an alternative way to keep the facility open. Unfortunately, that solution has not emerged. 

In recent years, Ice-Plex has operated at a substantial loss. The facility’s refrigeration and HVAC systems, which are used to cool ice and provide safe air flow throughout the building, are beyond their lifespan and in dire need of replacement. These are complex and energy-intensive systems, and the cost of design and install is prohibitively high. When compounded with the financial impacts of forced closure due to COVID-19, we cannot make these investments. 

First and foremost, we want to assure all teams, hockey players, figure skaters, public skaters, and all other customers, that they will receive a full refund for all programming that was scheduled to occur at the Ice-Plex facility. Refunds will be issued immediately through our platform, Square. 

The Ice-Plex has been an integral part of the community since its opening in 1995. As San Diego’s largest ice-skating facility, we are proud to have been a place for hockey players and skaters of all ages and skill levels to grow and develop.  

Unfortunately, the Ice-Plex was operating at a loss prior to the COVID-19 mandated shutdown, which essentially brought the facility’s revenue to zero. The primary driver of losses to the facility is the exorbitantly expensive and carbon-intensive process of cooling the ice with the facility’s aging equipment. In recent months we have worked to identify alternative energy options and new equipment for the rink. We brought in engineers and other experts, but the cost of an overhaul is more than we can commit to. 

We turned to others in the community, including rink operators, investors and hockey organizations, offering a five-year, no-cost lease to a qualified operator who could make the necessary investments in equipment. We engaged in promising conversations, but ultimately, a solution did not emerge. 

We understand the impact this decision will have on California’s hockey teams, skaters and fans. We love ice sports and share their disappointment. It is unfortunate that the impacts of COVID-19 are reaching beyond hospital walls, tipping fragile operations like ours over the edge. 

We close our doors with a heavy heart and would like to extend our deepest thanks to our athletes, customers, staff and volunteers, who have been responsible for creating a welcome and competitive environment at Ice-Plex. You have brought joy to our lives. Your dedication to sport, community and individual achievement will not end with Ice-Plex.

There are no current plans to redevelop or re-purpose the rink, and we continue to remain open to the idea that a new solution will emerge. Whether at Ice-Plex or another site, we are optimistic that this community will have a high-quality rink soon. 

Should you have any questions or comments to share, please email us at  info@iceplexescondido.com

Ice-Plex Escondido is San Diego's largest ice skating facility, offering TWO Olympic sized ice rinks and fun for everyone! Conveniently located near the I-15 and I-78 freeways, we are easily accessible from anywhere in San Diego and Riverside Counties. We offer public ice skating sessions 7 days a week, and many programs you are sure to enjoy. Feeling adventurous? Try a beginner hockey or skating school class. If you find safety in numbers, reserve a broomball session for your group, and tear it up in your sneakers! No matter which Ice-Plex experience you choose, we offer a safe, fun-filled environment that will keep you active and entertained!