Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/408997
18 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2014 RINKMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS: COURTESY OF FORD ICE CENTER "You couldn't ask for better support that what we've been given thanks to our relationship with Scott (Hamilton) and the Nashville Predators." Not a Country Club Type of Rink With big names like Hamilton, Fauver and the NHL's Nashville Predators, Ford Ice Center could easily be viewed as a high-end facility. It's a state-of-the-art arena with high ceilings and giant foyer. It gives off a highbrow look and feel — but Butler said that's not their purpose. "We have the opportunity to be more of a country club ice rink, but that's not what we want at all," said Butler. "We want to be able to touch people that have never skated before. We want to bring in all of the people who have never had any- thing to do with (hockey or figure skating) before. We really want to be that grass- roots to grow the game." Ford Ice Center has one of the cheapest learn-to-skate programs in the city. In addi- tion, the arena offers $50,000 in scholar- ships each year for youth and adult leagues. "We want to give those who need it the help they need and give them the real oppor- tunity to play," Butler said. "That's our phi- losophy — to be as grassroots as possible." Along with attracting young, begin- ning players, Ford Ice Center will strive to reach adults who have never played before. Get Out And Learn (G.O.A.L!) programs will reach both adult and youth players and Ford Ice Center will be home to at least five different adult leagues, most focusing on the C- and D-level players. "Some people here (in Nashville) played hockey maybe 10 years ago and see this brand-new facility as an opportunity to get back in the game," MacDonald said in a Q-and-A with USA Hockey. "One of the things I've seen is dads sign up and learn to play just so they can be on the ice with their kids … In the end, everyone out there, experienced or not, is there to have fun. That's what we want to provide." It looks like Ford Ice Center is adding a new note to the Music City. J SPECIAL FEATURES: 2nd floor overlook; 2nd floor lounge area; yoga/ballet studio; 4 party/meeting rooms (seating for 50 each); 2,500 square feet of off-ice training space, including 3 shooting lanes with synthetic ice, cardio equipment and dryland training space; 2 dedicated rooms for Jr. Predators and Vanderbilt hockey; 2,000-square-foot pro shop run by Perani's Hockey World; attached to a 6-acre park; a 32,000-square-foot recreation center and 26,000-square-foot library that are part of the overall campus TENANTS: Vanderbilt Hockey, Middle Tennessee University Hockey, Jr. Predators, Scott Hamilton Skate Academy 2014 YEAR OPENED RINK BREAKDOWN ICE RESURFACER: TWO ZAMBONI 546s REFRIGERATION SYSTEM: Pace/Gateway – Glacier Arena Package: Model GAP-225-S , Continued from page 17 90,000 SQUARE FEET 2 200' x 85' NHL-SIZE RINKS TYPES OF RINK FLOOR CONCRETE $250/hour 8 LOCKER ROOMS ICE TIME LIGHTING IN ARENA: T-5 Fluorescent 550 SEATING CAPACITY (NORTH RINK) SOUTH RINK: 300 FUN FACT: Home to the Scott Hamilton Skate Academy Perani's Hockey World Junior Predators Featured Rink Ford Ice Center | | Nashville, Tenn.