Nelson Center Ice Rink

1601 North 5th Street Springfield, IL 62703

Phone: 217-753-2800

Hours: - CT

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Overview

The Nelson Center contains two indoor ice rinks, nine locker rooms and concession areas that are open to the public year-round. Housing the only two indoor ice rinks within a 60-Mile radius, it serves as the home for many programs, events and activities in the area.

As well as offers a variety of instructional classes and leagues designed to teach children and adults how to figure skate or play hockey. The Nelson Center is also home to the NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues, Lincoln Land High School Hockey Association, Springfield Youth Hockey Association, and the Springfield Figure Skating Club.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE NELSON CENTER

Hours

Business Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Open to the Public for Programs, Ice Skating & Swimming (in season)

Times below are only when this facility opens for the day. Evening closure times may vary, please contact the Nelson Center at 217-753-2800  or check the Nelson Center's Facebook page @SPDNelsonCenter for the monthly calendar and facility closure times. 

Monday:           5:45am

Tuesday:           5:45am 

Wednesday      5:45am

Thursday          5:45am 

Friday               5:45am 

Saturday           5:45am

Sunday             1:00pm 

There will be a Recreation Associate/Receptionist at the Front Desk Area from:

Monday-Thursday:        4:30pm-8:30pm

Friday:                           4:30pm-6:00pm

Admission

Admission to our Lobby and Restroom areas are free.  There is a cost to swim and to ice-skate.  You will want to see our most up-to-date fees on our Online Registration portal.  Click the link below to learn more:

LEARN MORE - Ice Activities

LEARN MORE -  Public Skate Tickets

LEARN MORE - Swimming

Activities

For a list of activities held at the Nelson Center Ice Rink, please click the button below.

ACTIVITIES

Birthday Parties

For a list birthday parties held at the Nelson Center Ice Rink, please click the button below.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

 Ice Schedule

FREE STYLE SCHEDULE - January 2023.pdfFreestyle_schedule
Public skate JANUARY 2023.pdfpublic skate_schedule
dropin+hockey_schedule

Amenities

  • Playground
  • Covered Picnic Pavilion
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free Parking
  • Water Fountains with Bottle Filler
  • Restrooms
  • Diaper Changing Stations
  • Concessions
  • Benches and shade respite areas
  • Locker Rooms
  • Vending Machines
nelson center lobby
Nelson Center Ice Rink & Pool Lobby.
nelson center lobby seating, vending, concession window and restrooms
Nelson Center Lobby seating, vending, concession window and restrooms.
Nelson Center Rink 1 Waiting area and tables
Nelson Center Rink 1 waiting area tables, benches.
nelson center rink 1 mat area
Nelson Center Ice Rink 1.
nelson center rink 1 ice rink bleacher spectator seating
Nelson Center Rink 1 bleacher spectator seating area.
Nelson_Recreation_Center_35.JPG

Nelson Center Rink 1 information board.

nelson center birthday party room
Nelson Center Rink 2 - Birthday Party Room.
nelson center birthday party room
Nelson Center Rink 2 - Birthday Party Room window view.

FAQs

What are your pool hours?

Pool is open every year beginning Memorial Day until Labor Day. Daily hours may vary each year and are not announced until close to opening.

Is there any time to come ice skate with friends?

We have public skate hours during the week.  For the most up-to-date days and times for public skate click on the link to our Online Portal for tickets and programming.

LEARN MORE

Friday evenings normally 7pm – 9pm. We also have Saturday and Sunday during the afternoon unless there are other events reserved.

What food and beverage are offered at the Nelson Center?

There are several vending machines for drinks and one for snacks. The privately run concession stand is open when the pool is open and when Jr Blues games are being played. They will sometimes open for the youth hockey tournaments as well.

Where can I get Junior Blues Game tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the door when you arrive or you can even purchase tickets online at the Junior Blues Website.  For the most current rates on admission to a Junior Blues game - go to their Website to see prices and to book tickets online.

JUNIOR BLUES

When do summer camps at the Nelson Center start and when does summer camp ends?

Summer camps normally follow the school summer break schedule. Approximately the 1st week of June until 2nd week of August.

Does Summer Camp provide meals?

No, we do not provide meals however we do have a concession stand that food may be purchased for lunch. We recommend the children bring a packed lunch from home.

Do you offer ice skating lessons?

We do offer lessons, but you should call the Nelson Center front desk about for more information. The price, time, and days would all depend on your coach. There are private lessons available. You would need to contact one of our coaches to schedule times and days. You can contact the Nelson Center front desk for additional information.

Is the facility pet friendly?

At this time, we only allow service animals in our facility.

Staff

George Tucker, Jr.
Interim General Manager
2170753-2800 ext. 2002

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Tim Rhodes
Facility Program Supervisor for Ice Sports
217-753-6284 ext. 3005

NELSON CENTER
1601 N. 5th St
Spfld, IL 62702

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Leslie Jones
Administrative Assistant
217-753-2800 ext. 2004

NELSON CENTER ICE RINK
1601 N. 5th St, Spfld IL 62702

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Features