The Pepsi Ice center is an Ice rink located at 201 S Roosevelt Ave, Bloomington, IL. Although attatched to Grossinger Motors Arena, the two are not affiliated. They host activities ranging from open skate, hockey, curling, broomball, and figure skating. Hockey is the most major user of the facility and there are leagues ranging from mini-mite to adult house leagues. There are also learn to skate lessons for children or adults ranging in skill levels, and learn to play lessons for those who want to advance their skills in hockey.
It is home to the Bloomington Jr. Thunder Travel Hockey and the Bloomington Normal Sharks high school hockey program.
For figure skaters, frequent freestyle sessions are available in which individuals can pay per half hour to practice.
The public is welcome to skate during set open skate times. Prices for admission start at $6 dollars per person or $4pp with a group of 10+ (in one transaction). For those needing skates, they are $2 dollars per person for a pair. There is no discount applied to skate rentals for groups. When a back to back session of open skate is available (normally Saturdays), you may purchase admissions to both sessions for the price of $8.50, instead of paying $6 twice. There is the option to rent hockey or figure skates in sizes from 8y up to a 15 men. Only whole skate sizes are available. It is recommended you go down to the nearest whole size, as skates should be as tight as possible in order to prevent rolling an ankle. Figure skates sizes will run the same as your shoe size, where hockey skates will run one size big. For example, an 8 street shoe would use an 8 figure skate or size 7 hockey skate. A 6.5 street shoe would wear a 6 figure skate or 5 (or 6) hockey skate.
Players that want more ice time have the option of looking at the Open Hockey calendar for that given month and signing up for sessions. Open Hockey consists of stick and pucks and pick-ups.
Stick and puck is when a certain time is allocated for open ice to work on shooting or stick handling for all ages. Up to 4 goalies and 26 skaters are allowed. This is NOT for scrimmaging. Prices for stick and puck start at $10 dollars for skaters for 60 minutes, whereas goalies are half price.
Pick-up games allow up to 4 goalies (only 2 play at a time) and 24 skaters for those 18+. Sometimes the schedule will specify "B & C League Only Pick-Ups" which means that although you do not have to be in an adult house league in order to participate, you must be a lower-skilled player. These games are meant to be slow-pace. All pick-up sessions are 70 minutes at $11 dollars for skaters and free for goalies.
To guarantee your spot in a stick and puck or pick-up, (sessions may fill up quickly during the busy season) call the rink and ask to reserve a spot for the session time with your name and a card number. Calling ahead can only be done the day of. Guest services will run your card and leave your copy of the receipt (to show the correct amount charged) at the desk for when you arrive. If for any reason you cannot come after reserving your spot, guest services must be notified an hour BEFORE the session starts to be issued a credit to use at a later date. No refunds are given.
Birthday parties can also be hosted at ice center. It's the coolest place in town! Renters will host their party in the birthday party room right off the ice. The prices start $14 dollars a person for bronze package, and $16 dollars for gold. The rental for the room is for 90 minutes and is only scheduled during open skate hours. More information can be found at pepsiicecenter.com or by calling (309) 434-2737.
Broomball is another activity offered at the ice center. This is the only time that street shoes are allowed on the ice. It’s a fun game most people have never even heard of. Consisting of two teams with goalies, plays are those similar to ice hockey.
In the slight chance there are no games and practices, a private rental may take place. The cost of this $230 dollars an hour. You can use you ice time for however you'd like, broom ball, playing hockey, curling, and as well as skating. Cost per hour is for the sheet of ice only, and does not include any extra equipment or skate rentals.
Location
201 S. Roosevelt Ave
