Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1499918
W hen residents of Clarksville, Tenn., wanted to skate or play hockey, they'd pack their gear and drive an hour to Nashville. But starting this year, they can finally enjoy an open sheet of ice in their very own community. F&M Bank Arena, which broke ground in November 2020, will fully open this summer. It consists of three adjoin- ing facilities: the main 5,000-seat arena, Ford Ice Center Clarksville and a bas- ketball practice facility for Austin Peay State University. "We have a lot of people here in our community that love hockey, but they didn't have the feasibility to play in their own city," said Andrew Franklin, Senior Manager of Rink Programing for F&M Bank Arena. "In addition to the arena, we're excited to have a permanent ice sheet open almost every day of the year for the community." The massive 250,000-square-foot facil- ity is operated by Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment—a division of the Nashville Predators—and is owned by Montgomery County. F&M Bank Arena's main tenants are Austin Peay State University's men's and women's basketball teams. But thanks to its many amenities and features, it's also opening its doors to additional options. "We are hopeful for additional tenants in the future and are fielding interest from all sports," Franklin said. "The 22 / MAY.JUNE.2023 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: F&M BANK ARENA AND FORD ICE CENTER Featured Rink F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center | | Clarksville, Tenn. F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center serves Northern Middle Tennessee by ELIZABETH BOGER FIRST CLASS CLARKSVILLE