NEARLY two years after the Durban ice rink was closed for a major revamp to restore the rink to its former glory, the Durban Ice Arena opens its doors on Heritage Day.
Sastri Ramiah, owner of the Arena said the renovations took a “long time in the making” and they experienced a few setbacks which are part and parcel of restoring any old building. “A truly world class facility awaits all patrons and guarantees to take Durban's leisure and entertainment to an entirely new level. A level never seen before in the City,” Ramiah explained.
According to Ramiah, the project was no simple undertaking especially since they had embarked on renovating a landmark with much historic value. “Our vision was to create a truly multi-purpose international arena that caters to our local as well as the international ice skating fraternity, and also a venue that can be transformed for a variety of events adding to Durban's entertainment offering,” he said.
Ramiah said music and “pure entertainment” was a big part of the Arena. “We are planning to have a live DJ and possibly a radio station in the future, but for now will look at live music, jazz, bands and supper theatre sessions on weekends.
“The Arena's flexibility has always been a key part of the overall development concept, and through the use of efficient design technology and state-of-the-art refrigeration, dehumidification and air control systems, the opportunities for our now international size ice surface are endless,” he added.
Ramiah is dedicated to developing ice skating in Durban and through ice skating aids, Bobby the Seal and Penny the Penguin believes more children may take to the ice. Next year the Arena will open the learn to skate programmes, lead by a team of professional coaches and trainers.
A skate shop for professional skaters will sell ice skates, figure skating dresses and ice hockey equipment. The new and improved venue includes a host of private venue areas for team building, parties and other occasions which overlooks the ice surface. The Arena also has its own restaurant overlooking the skate sessions.
Ramiah said he hoped schools would take the opportunity for an educational tour to the Arena to learn about how ice is made and maintained before getting on the ice for some fun concluding the excursion.
For more information, sessions and prices visit www.durbanicearena.co.za or call 031 332 4597.
