The Benefits of Outsourcing Ice Rink Operations and Management
Outsourcing the management, operations, and even marketing services of ice rinks offers numerous benefits, including:
- Cost savings
- Access to expertise and technology
- Reduced operational risks
- The freedom to focus on core business functions
“Managing, operating, and marketing an ice rink is more complex than one might think,” says Sports Facilities Companies Senior Vice President of Venue Management Kelly Kryukov.
“From safety and staffing to programming and revenue, the day-to-day demands can certainly be challenging. Working with a third-party that’s skilled in handling management, operations, and marketing acts as an extension of their existing team and provides rink owners with the resources that help set them up for long-term success,” adds Krukov.
Today, many ice rink owners choose to partner with a third-party operator. Here’s why.
Cost Saving
Much like outsourced aquatic center management, ice rinks working with a third-party management and operations team can eliminate the burden of hiring, training, and retaining highly specialized staff. Experienced operators also leverage scale to secure better pricing on equipment, supplies, and services, which helps control costs without cutting corners.
Proven Expertise and State-of-the-Art Systems
Third-party managers are focused solely on facility operations, bringing seasoned leadership, trained teams, and proven technology from scheduling and booking platforms to reporting tools. These programs would be expensive and time-consuming to build in-house.
Robust Safety Standards
Established operators follow industry best practices for maintenance, staff training, and risk management, which help create a safer environment for skaters, staff, and visitors and minimize exposure to incidents and liability.
Overall Flexibility
When it comes to ice sports, seasonal demand can overwhelm a facility and its staff. Outsourcing allows facilities to scale staffing and programming as needed, without being locked into fixed labor costs or operational constraints.
Rev up Revenue
Learn-to-skate programs, youth and adult leagues, camps, special events, and sponsorships can increase risk if not properly planned. Experienced management can create enhanced programming that increases engagement, expands the audience, and improves overall return on investment.
Freedom to Focus on What Matters Most
When daily operations are handled by industry pros, owners can focus on the rink’s strategy, community impact, elevated guest experiences, stakeholder relationships, and everything that goes into their rink’s long-term success.
Reduced Risk and Stronger Continuity
Outsourcing allows ice rink owners to shift certain operational risks, such as compliance, data security, and emergency planning, to teams trained and experienced in managing them, ensuring continuity even when challenges arise.
Remember, third-party ice rink management isn’t about giving up control. It’s about gaining a trusted partner who is there every step of the way and can help effectively run the facility, better serve the community, and rinks stay financially sustainable for the long haul.
Results-Driven Marketing Services
Tapping into third-party marketing services gives ice rinks an industry-specific team focused on growing traffic and revenue, allowing rink staff to focus on visitor experience. Consider letting a team versed in advertising, marketing, and promotions handle strategy, branding, websites, social media, email, and in-rink promotions to create a consistent guest journey.
An outsourced team with deep experience in marketing Learn-to-Skate programs, leagues, parties, and seasonal events can help rinks fill non-prime ice time, launch new offerings, and strengthen community relationships.
Work With a Trusted Partner
At the Sports Facilities Companies, we’re committed to serving the sports and recreation industry with specialized services that drive peak performance in all areas of venue operations. Connect with us to learn how SFC can help improve outcomes for your ice rink. Contact us online or by phone at 727-474-3845.
