Ice Arenas
General Design and Application Considerations:
Functions at arenas may be quite varied, so the anticipated air conditioning
loads will also vary. If the arena will be used for functions other
than ice skating, then the designer must provide systems with great
flexibility. Within an ice skating arena, the HVAC system must be
designed with an understanding of the ventilation requirements during
times when the arena is full of spectators.
The designer also needs to be concerned with the air velocities being
directed at the ice sheet level. Low velocity air streams will help
minimize the load on the refrigeration equipment. Too high of a velocity
at the sheet level can cause the ice to melt or sublimate.
When the necessary ventilation air is being introduced into the arena,
or even as unwanted air infiltrates the building, there is a great
potential for fog to form inside if the arena is not being conditioned.
Fog is formed when moisture-laden air is allowed to cool below its
dewpoint. This is most likely to occur close
to the ice surface within the boarded
area (playing area).
Fog can be controlled by reducing the indoor dewpoint with a
dehumidification system or high-latent-capacity air-conditioning and
by delivering appropriate air velocities to bring the air in contact
with the ice. Desiccant-based air-conditioning systems have had great
success in reducing the dewpoint temperature sufficiently to prevent
fog in ice arenas.
Environmental Standards or Requirements:
• Ice rink temperatures are usually maintained between 40 and
60°F. 
| Function | Ice Softness | Ice Temperature* |
| Hockey Players | Hard | 20 to 22° |
| Curlers | Hard | 20 to 22° |
| Figure Skaters | Med-Soft | 24 to 26° |
| Recreational Skaters | Soft | 26 to 28° |
* at 45°F air temperature and 1-inch ice thickness.
Reference Sources:
1. ASHRAE Applications Handbook (2007), Places of Assembly, Ice Rinks,
4.5
2. ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (2006), Ice Rink Conditions, 35.4
