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precedes us," Tompkins said. "There's a buzz and excitement around us again, and we're so grateful. "When Jason Sierpien (president of Santa's Village) said they wanted to do this, it gave me goosebumps. I coached here in the '90s. I recall the chain- link fence where I got 27 stitches as an 8-year-old. Those are the things people remember and want to be part of again. It's just incredible." The History The Polar Dome officially became part of Santa's Village in February 1963. During its original tenure, it hosted ice skating and hockey events—including Chicago Blackhawks practices and exhi- bition games, and a national Olympic speed skating competition broadcast on ABC's "Wide World of Sports" in 1968. It was also home to wrestling, concerts and roller derby events. Its uniqueness earned national atten- tion, including recognition as the larg- est air-supported dome stadium in the world—holding up to 4,000 people— according to Guinness World Records. Just three years into operation, in 1966, a storm damaged the dome, tear- ing its inf latable cover. A f lat roof was added in 1967, and the Polar Dome continued to operate seasonally from September through April until its clo- sure in 2005 (with limited operations into early 2006). In the interim, the Polar Dome served as a seasonal hub for Santa's Village staff. From 2007 to 2010, the space hosted short-term businesses. It became home to indoor paintball and laser tag from 2010 until construction on the "frosty return" of the Polar Dome began on Oct. 21. The facility was fast-tracked and reopened on Jan. 17. "It's been tough opening mid-season," Tompkins said. "But my stick-and-puck program is doing well, and we have some spring tournaments taking up a lot of time. "We're just excited to get this going again." USICERINKS.COM MAY.JUNE.2025 / 23 p The Polar dome reopened on Jan. 17, embracing its history and nostalgia while looking forward to serving the next generation.