By Ali Yenchick
Three decades ago, Wichita’s sole ice rink was only seasonally accessible very early in the morning or very late at night. There was no place for children to practice after school or for families to create winter memories year-round. Today, the Wichita Ice Center stands as proof that one facility can transform an entire community’s athletic landscape.
October 2026 marks the center’s 30th anniversary—a milestone that represents more than just years of operation. It represents 30 years of championship moments, breakthrough performances, and countless first steps on ice that changed lives forever.
Building a Community Around the Ice
Before 1996, competitive ice sports in Wichita were virtually nonexistent. The Ice Center didn’t just fill a gap—it created an entirely new athletic ecosystem.
It’s a place where figure skaters have chased their dreams, speed skaters have trained for excellence, and hockey players have honed their skills. The center has hosted national and regional competitions, helped high school hockey flourish with six teams at its peak, and even served as a practice facility for national championship-level figure skating events.
“One of the most memorable milestones was hosting a junior hockey team from 2013 to 2020,” Sean recalls. “We also had a moment where over 400 people filled the facility for high school hockey games. Those are the moments that stick with you.”
A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
From the first day the Wichita Ice Center opened its doors, it became more than just a place to skate—it became a home for anyone with a passion for ice sports. Few people embody this story more personally than Sean O’Reilly, the center’s General Manager, who has been part of its legacy since its very beginning.
Sean arrived in Wichita from Canada in 1997 to pursue his love of hockey. Back then, he helped paint the dressing rooms. Today, as General Manager, his deep connection to the center stems from his decades-long involvement as a player, coach, and now leader. “Seeing the little kids come off the ice with smiles is the reason I do this job,” he shares. “Watching how skating brings joy and growth to the community—that’s what makes everything worth it.”
His sentiment is echoed by Corey Whitfield, Assistant Manager, who began his own skating story at the Wichita Ice Center at the age of nine. By 14, he was working in the facility, and over the years, he’s witnessed countless families discover new passions on the rink. “You’ll see parents bringing their kids to skate, then they themselves lace up and get involved,” Corey explains. “It’s such an amazing thing to see families grow here.”
30 Years of Memories, and a Bright Future Ahead
Thirty years of operation have established the Wichita Ice Center as an essential community asset. But O’Reilly and his team aren’t focused on the past—they’re building the future.
To mark this tremendous milestone, the team is planning year-long festivities of a celebration on the 30th of every month, starting in October and leading up to October 2026. These initiatives include a major summer men’s tournament that aims to draw teams nationwide, and a celebratory reunion of past members and alumni.
“One of our goals is to recreate a moment from 2002 when we gathered the Wichita Figure Skating Club for a photo,” Sean mentions. “We want to bring everyone back—to welcome our alumni, coaches, and players who have been part of this incredible story.”
The anniversary will be an opportunity to reflect on the past while generating excitement for years to come, and showcase recent renovations like new lighting that has elevated the facility, making it more welcoming and vibrant than ever.
A Message to Wichita
From painted dressing rooms to championship celebrations, from first skating lessons to college scholarships earned, the center has been there for every step of countless journeys. As it enters its fourth decade, the facility stands ready to welcome new generations of skaters, athletes, and dreamers.
“We’re the coolest place in town, literally and figuratively,” O’Reilly says with a grin. “The opportunities here are incredible. Hockey, figure skating, recreational skating with family—everyone should experience what we offer.”
Mark your calendars, lace up your skates, and join the celebration. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or are discovering the thrill of skating for the first time, the Wichita Ice Center’s 30th anniversary experiences that will create new chapters in the Wichita Ice Center’s remarkable story.
The ice is ready. The community is waiting. Your story starts now
