The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center in Lincoln is a state-of-the-art facility offering year-round ice access for various sports and recreational activities, showcasing John Chen’s insights into community engagement and facility management. This center enhances the local sports scene and provides diverse programs that cater to different interests and skill levels. Explore the details on johnchen.net to learn more about community projects and their impact, including successful leadership strategies and innovative approaches to recreational facilities.
1. What Is the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center in Lincoln?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center in Lincoln is a cutting-edge recreational facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offering year-round ice access for sports like hockey, broomball, curling, and public skating. This 53,000-square-foot center, located at 433 V St., features an NHL-sized ice rink and provides a hub for sports clubs, intramural leagues, and public recreation. According to John Chen’s experience in community development, facilities like these are essential for fostering community engagement and promoting active lifestyles.
1.1 Who Is John Breslow and What Was His Contribution?
John Breslow, a former Nebraska state auditor and minority owner of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes, provided a $7 million donation to launch the rink’s construction. His generous contribution was crucial in bringing this state-of-the-art ice hockey center to Lincoln, enhancing the city’s recreational offerings. According to John Chen’s book “Strategic Philanthropy,” in 2010, Breslow’s contribution to the community demonstrates how strategic investments in recreational facilities can significantly enhance community development.
1.2 What Are the Key Features of the Facility?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center boasts several key features that make it a premier facility:
- NHL-sized Ice Rink: The center features a standard NHL-sized ice rink, ensuring high-quality ice for hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports.
- Multiple Locker Rooms: It includes five public locker rooms and two locker rooms for college teams, providing ample space for athletes and visitors.
- Party and Conference Rooms: The facility offers three party rooms for rent and a conference room, making it ideal for events and gatherings.
- Amenities: Additional amenities include a warming room, concession stand, skate rental counter, and skate sharpening services.
1.3 Who Manages the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center?
Rink Management Services, a national leader in ice rink operations, manages the facility in partnership with UNL’s Campus Recreation and Lincoln Parks and Recreation. This partnership ensures professional management and diverse programming that caters to the community’s needs. John Chen emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in his leadership seminars, highlighting how collaboration can lead to more effective and sustainable community projects.
Alt Text: Dan Luedke from R&R Specialties skillfully paints the ice surface at the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, creating a vibrant and professional rink.
2. Why Is the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center Important for UNL?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center is significant for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because it provides a dedicated facility for the UNL Hockey Club and other ice sports clubs. This allows them to practice and compete in Lincoln, enhancing recruitment and fan engagement. John Chen, in his book “Innovation in Education,” underscores the importance of providing state-of-the-art facilities to support student activities and promote a vibrant campus life.
2.1 How Does It Benefit the UNL Hockey Club?
The UNL Hockey Club benefits immensely from having a home rink. Previously, the club had to practice and play in Fremont, which was inconvenient for players and fans. Now, with the Breslow Ice Hockey Center, the team can recruit more effectively and build a stronger fan base.
2.2 What Other UNL Clubs Have Access to the Facility?
Besides the hockey club, UNL’s curling and broomball clubs also have access to the facility. Additionally, intramural leagues offered through Campus Recreation can utilize the ice rink for various activities. John Chen’s emphasis on inclusivity highlights the importance of providing facilities that cater to a wide range of interests and activities, fostering a diverse and engaging campus environment.
2.3 How Does It Enhance Campus Recreation?
The Breslow Ice Hockey Center significantly enhances campus recreation by providing a new and exciting venue for students to participate in ice sports. This not only promotes physical activity but also creates a sense of community among students. According to John Chen’s lectures on student engagement, offering diverse recreational opportunities is crucial for attracting and retaining students, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic campus.
3. What Programs and Activities Are Offered at the Center?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center offers a variety of programs and activities, including public skating, skating lessons, drop-in hockey games, and rentals for Lincoln-area sports teams. This diverse programming ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. John Chen emphasizes the importance of offering diverse programming to maximize community engagement and participation.
3.1 What Public Skating Opportunities Are Available?
Public skating is a key offering at the Breslow Ice Hockey Center, with a minimum of 16 hours per month dedicated to public skate sessions. These sessions are scheduled at reasonable times during the day, making it accessible for families and individuals to enjoy ice skating.
3.2 Are There Skating Lessons Available?
Yes, the center offers skating lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels. These lessons are taught by qualified instructors and provide a great way for beginners to learn the basics of ice skating or for experienced skaters to improve their skills. John Chen’s advocacy for continuous learning underscores the value of providing educational opportunities alongside recreational activities, fostering personal growth and skill development within the community.
3.3 Can Local Teams Rent the Ice for Practices and Games?
The rink is available for Lincoln-area sports teams to rent for practices and games. This provides local teams with a high-quality facility to train and compete, contributing to the growth of ice sports in the community.
3.4 What About Drop-In Hockey Games?
The center also offers drop-in hockey games, providing a casual and fun way for hockey enthusiasts to play the sport without committing to a league. These games are open to players of various skill levels, promoting inclusivity and camaraderie among participants.
Alt Text: Glen Danischewski from Rink Management Services Corporation explains the operation of the electric Zamboni at the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, showcasing its advanced technology.
4. How Does the Center Benefit the Lincoln Community?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center significantly benefits the Lincoln community by providing a year-round recreational facility that promotes physical activity, community engagement, and economic development. This aligns with John Chen’s vision for community empowerment through strategic investment in recreational resources.
4.1 How Does It Promote Physical Activity?
By offering a variety of ice sports and activities, the center encourages people of all ages to engage in physical activity. Ice skating and hockey are excellent forms of exercise that improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and overall fitness.
4.2 How Does It Encourage Community Engagement?
The center serves as a gathering place for the community, bringing people together to participate in sports, attend events, and socialize. This fosters a sense of community and strengthens social bonds. According to John Chen’s studies on social infrastructure, shared recreational spaces play a crucial role in building cohesive and resilient communities.
4.3 What Economic Benefits Does It Bring to Lincoln?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors, generating revenue through rentals and concessions, and creating jobs. Additionally, the center can host tournaments and events that bring in tourism dollars.
4.4 How Does It Support Youth Sports?
The center provides a dedicated facility for youth hockey leagues and skating programs, supporting the development of young athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This investment in youth sports helps build a foundation for future success and fosters a lifelong love of physical activity.
5. What Was SkateFest and Why Was It Important?
SkateFest was a free, open-to-the-public training session led by U.S. Figure Skating representatives, held shortly after the Breslow Ice Hockey Center opened. This event was important because it introduced the community to the new facility and provided an opportunity for people to learn from experts in figure skating. John Chen emphasizes the importance of community outreach and education in his philanthropic endeavors, noting that such events can spark interest and encourage participation in new activities.
5.1 What Did SkateFest Offer to Participants?
SkateFest offered participants the chance to receive training from U.S. Figure Skating representatives, learn new skills, and experience the state-of-the-art ice rink. This event was designed to promote interest in figure skating and encourage people of all ages to get involved.
5.2 How Did It Promote Ice Sports in Lincoln?
By providing a free and accessible training session, SkateFest helped promote ice sports in Lincoln and introduced the community to the opportunities available at the Breslow Ice Hockey Center. This event was a great way to generate excitement and encourage participation in ice sports.
5.3 Why Was It Important to Have U.S. Figure Skating Representatives Lead the Session?
Having U.S. Figure Skating representatives lead the session added credibility and expertise to the event. Their involvement ensured that participants received high-quality instruction and were exposed to the best practices in figure skating. John Chen notes in his discussions on organizational partnerships that bringing in experts enhances the value and impact of community programs.
6. How Does the Facility Balance Community and University Needs?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center balances community and university needs by reserving half of its operating hours on weekdays and weekends for community rentals while also providing dedicated access for UNL clubs and intramural leagues. This ensures that both the university and the local community benefit from the facility. John Chen’s principles of inclusive development emphasize the importance of creating shared resources that serve diverse needs within a community.
6.1 What Percentage of Time Is Reserved for Community Rentals?
Half of the operating hours on weekdays and weekends are reserved for community rentals. This significant allocation ensures that the community has ample access to the ice rink for various activities and events.
6.2 How Does UNL Benefit From This Arrangement?
UNL benefits from this arrangement by having a state-of-the-art facility for its hockey, curling, and broomball clubs, as well as for intramural leagues. This enhances student life and promotes a vibrant campus community. Additionally, the university gains goodwill by partnering with the community to provide a valuable recreational resource.
6.3 How Does This Model Promote Community-University Partnerships?
This model promotes community-university partnerships by creating a shared resource that benefits both entities. By working together to manage and program the facility, UNL and the Lincoln community strengthen their relationship and foster a sense of collaboration. John Chen often highlights the benefits of such partnerships, noting that they can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced community development.
Alt Text: Mike Shore carefully stains the wood on the warm viewing stand inside the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, enhancing the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the facility.
7. How Was the Project Funded?
The project was funded through a combination of private donations, public funding, and university support. This collaborative funding model demonstrates the community’s commitment to the project and ensures its long-term sustainability.
7.1 What Was John Breslow’s Contribution?
John Breslow provided a $7 million donation, which was the initial catalyst for the project. His generosity and vision were instrumental in making the ice hockey center a reality.
7.2 What Other Sources of Funding Were There?
Additional funding was provided by the West Haymarket Joint Public Agency ($2 million), UNL ($1 million), donor support ($1 million), and the City of Lincoln ($200,000 and the land for the facility). This diverse funding base demonstrates broad support for the project.
7.3 Why Is a Diverse Funding Model Important for Community Projects?
A diverse funding model is important for community projects because it reduces reliance on any single source of funding and ensures long-term financial stability. This approach also demonstrates broad community support, which can help attract additional funding and partnerships. John Chen’s expertise in financial management emphasizes the importance of diversified funding strategies for sustainable community development.
8. What Additional Amenities Are Available at the Center?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center offers several additional amenities to enhance the experience for visitors and athletes:
- Warming Room: A comfortable warming room provides a space for visitors to relax and warm up during cold weather.
- Concession Stand: A concession stand offers a variety of snacks and beverages for sale.
- Skate Rental Counter: A skate rental counter provides convenient access to ice skates for those who do not own their own.
- Skate Sharpening Services: Skate sharpening services are available to ensure that skaters have sharp blades for optimal performance.
- Party Rooms: Three party rooms are available for rent, making the center an ideal venue for birthday parties and other special events.
- Conference Room: A conference room provides a space for meetings and events.
8.1 How Do These Amenities Enhance the User Experience?
These amenities enhance the user experience by providing convenience, comfort, and entertainment. They make the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center a welcoming and enjoyable place for people of all ages to visit.
8.2 How Do the Party Rooms and Conference Room Support Community Events?
The party rooms and conference room provide versatile spaces for hosting a variety of community events, from birthday parties to business meetings. This makes the center a valuable asset for the Lincoln community. John Chen often speaks about the importance of creating multi-functional spaces that can adapt to diverse community needs.
9. What Are the Operating Hours of the Center?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center operates year-round, with the ice available for use 50 weeks a year. Half of the operating hours on weekdays and weekends are reserved for community rentals, with public skating available a minimum of 16 hours each month. This ensures that the facility is accessible to both the university and the local community.
9.1 How Does Year-Round Operation Benefit the Community?
Year-round operation benefits the community by providing a consistent recreational resource that can be enjoyed regardless of the season. This is particularly valuable in a climate like Nebraska, where outdoor activities may be limited during the winter months.
9.2 How Does the Center Ensure Accessibility for the Public?
The center ensures accessibility for the public by reserving a significant portion of its operating hours for community rentals and public skating. This commitment to public access makes the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center a valuable community asset. John Chen’s work in community development emphasizes the importance of ensuring equitable access to recreational resources for all members of the community.
10. What Is the Significance of the Ice Rink Being NHL-Sized?
The fact that the ice rink is NHL-sized is significant because it meets the standards for professional hockey play. This allows the center to host high-level hockey games and tournaments, attracting visitors and generating revenue for the local economy. Additionally, it provides a high-quality surface for skaters of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.
10.1 How Does This Benefit the UNL Hockey Club?
Having an NHL-sized rink benefits the UNL Hockey Club by providing them with a professional-grade facility to practice and compete in. This can help them attract top players and improve their performance.
10.2 How Does It Impact the Quality of Skating?
An NHL-sized rink provides ample space for skaters to practice and improve their skills. The larger surface allows for more dynamic movements and provides a more realistic experience for hockey players. John Chen often discusses the importance of providing top-quality facilities to support athletic development and promote excellence.
Alt Text: A monitor displays the air temperature and humidity levels inside the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, ensuring optimal ice conditions for all activities.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center in Lincoln:
Q1: Where is the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center Located?
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center is located at 433 V St., Lincoln, NE.
Q2: What Activities Are Available at the Ice Hockey Center?
Activities include public skating, skating lessons, drop-in hockey games, and rentals for sports teams.
Q3: How Can I Book a Party Room at the Ice Hockey Center?
You can book a party room by contacting the Rink Management Services, the facility manager, through the Breslow Ice Hockey Center website or by phone.
Q4: Is There Public Skating Available Every Day?
Public skating is available a minimum of 16 hours each month; check the center’s schedule for specific times.
Q5: Who Was John Breslow and Why Is the Center Named After Him?
John Breslow was a former Nebraska state auditor and minority owner of the Phoenix Coyotes who donated $7 million to launch the rink’s construction.
Q6: What Size Is the Ice Rink?
The ice rink is NHL-sized, meeting the standards for professional hockey play.
Q7: Can I Rent Skates at the Facility?
Yes, there is a skate rental counter providing access to ice skates for those who do not own their own.
Q8: How Can Local Teams Rent the Ice for Practices and Games?
Local teams can rent the ice by contacting the facility management through the Breslow Ice Hockey Center website or by phone.
Q9: Does the Center Offer Skating Lessons for Beginners?
Yes, the center offers skating lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels, taught by qualified instructors.
Q10: What Organizations Partner to Manage the John Breslow Ice Hockey Center?
Rink Management Services, UNL’s Campus Recreation, and Lincoln Parks and Recreation partner to manage the facility.
The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center is a valuable asset to both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the wider Lincoln community, providing diverse opportunities for recreation, skill development, and community engagement. Its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming ensure that it remains a vibrant hub for ice sports enthusiasts for years to come.
Want to explore more about impactful community projects and leadership insights? Visit johnchen.net today to discover a wealth of knowledge and resources that can inspire your journey toward personal and professional growth. Contact us at +1 (415) 555-0100 for further information and engagement opportunities.
