Opening an ice rink is a daunting task and not for the faint hearted, it takes a significant investment upfront and has a heavy fixed cost. Whether it is successful or not very much depends on the number of visitors that you can get.
As with any business it is really just a case of getting your priorities right getting organised, getting a good team behind you and being ready. The main components are:
A site – Location Location Location, it may sound simple but picking the correct site will make the difference between success and failure. Opening in a shopping centre is a good way to draw the crowds and often benefits both sides however in the period in which you operate the centres are already busy and may not have space available.
Go big. 400-600sq metres is probably what you should aim for, smaller rinks have the same fixed costs for a greater capacity in a good location will work better.
Advertising – web, social media is where you need to be.
Insurance – be careful, the cost can vary widely and one large claim can drive up everyone’s insurance cost. Make sure this is established before you start building.
Availability of equipment – as the season draws closer equipment is in short supply, make sure you have yours ready to go.
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