Page Tools:
Residents Keep Their Cool at RGV Ice Center
family fun in mcallen, ice skating, mcallen, recreation, rgv ice center,
Stay cool all year, even in the Texas tropics, at McAllen’s RGV Ice Center, where skaters hit the ice for leisure, figure skating and youth and adult hockey.
Located on 26th Street, the RGV Ice Center opened in December 2005 and is open seven days a week, with public skating hours every day.
“It’s great for families in McAllen because it’s a safe place, and it gives kids and adults another place to play and get some exercise,” says Violet Grammer, owner of RGV Ice Center. “We have public skating, learn-to-skate classes and learn-to-play-hockey classes, and we also do a lot of birthday parties. We’re busiest on weekends, and we stay open until midnight on those days.”
More than 40 kids participate in figure skating at the RGV Ice Center, and they travel to competitions regularly.
“These kids started in our learn-to-skate classes and advanced to private skating lessons,” Grammer says. “They’ve done very well. Our figure skating instructor is exceptional, and the kids always come home with awards.”
RGV Ice Center’s youth hockey program has about 100 kids, and the adult hockey league has eight teams.
“The hockey program is really growing due to the learn-to-play-hockey classes,” Grammer says. “When students advance, they are placed on a team. We host tournaments here, and there are five other towns around us that also have hockey leagues. So we go to them, and they come to us.”
The 30,000-square-foot center features an official-size ice rink, a pro shop and concessions, including beer and wine. It’s a popular place for school field trips and private parties.
“Businesses can rent the whole place for a party. We had the police department here last Christmas,” Grammer says. “We offer fun activities like snowman building and snowball fights. We do that by shaving the ice from the Zamboni and building a big pile of it.”
The RGV Ice Center gives back to the community by offering grants to kids who want to play hockey but can’t afford it. The center also holds fundraisers, one of which raises money to buy school supplies for kids in need.
“I love seeing the kids and their smiles when they’re on the ice,” Grammer says. “Some people here have never seen snow or ice outside, so it’s something different for them. I enjoy seeing people engage in something that’s relaxing and fun.”
Admission to the RGV Ice Center is $7, and skate rental is $3. Groups of 10 or more qualify for a discount.
For public skate hours or other information about the RGV Ice Center, call (956) 618-9944.
View Related Video
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Jesse Knish
