Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1490145
P EOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CALLED TO THE DESERT. In ancient times, the desert was a spiritual destination. Its harsh con- ditions and barren land- scape have, for centuries, been the setting for religious and personal pilgrimages. Today, the desert is still a destination, though the reason many seek out the landscape has evolved with the times. Rather than looking for spiritual trans- formation, people come to the desert for entertainment, a seasonal break from the cold, more space to grow a family— and now, ice. In Palm Desert, California, the Acrisure Arena and Berger Foundation Iceplex is situated on more than 336,000 square feet and is an oasis of entertainment and rec- reation for the greater Palm Springs area. "Our goal is to draw the biggest names in music and sports entertainment to the area," says Leslie Deason, General Manager of the Berger Foundation Iceplex. "Our facility is the prime loca- tion to host conventions, large meetings, international events, hockey games and tournaments—all while prioritizing sus- tainability in the green initiatives." Entertainment and Hockey Hub The Coachella Valley, part of the greater Palm Springs area, is already a global destination for music entertainment. The Stagecoach and Coachella music festivals drew a combined 800,000 visitors to the area last year alone. 16 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2023 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: ACRISURE ARENA Featured Rink Acrisure Arena and Berger Foundation Iceplex | | Palm Desert, Calif. BUILDING AN OASIS The Acrisure Arena and Berger Foundation Iceplex satisfies entertainment and recreation needs in the desert /// by KELSEY HANSON