By Krystle J Bailey
The South Jersey Ice & Athletic Center association is a non-profit organization formed in 2023 with a mission to preserve the future of South Jersey ice skating and athletics. The board, which is comprised of ten local hockey and figure skating enthusiasts, is working with the community and local organizations to raise funds for the future facility.
With the seemingly inevitable loss of the Atlantic City Skate Zone on Albany Avenue, the individuals behind SJIAC plan to build a state-of-the-art ice rink and athletic center in South Jersey. Plans include accommodations for ice hockey, figure skating, curling, and other ice sports, as well as an indoor street and roller hockey rink, turf arena, restaurant and bar, birthday party space, batting cages, co-working opportunities, and more.
“The closest rink is about 45 miles away in Sewell,” explains board member Hugh Turner, former senior vice president and chief financial officer at Borgata. “There are no other rinks in Atlantic, Cape May, or Cumberland counties. We feel the area is underserved.”
Taking the non-profit route, the SJIAC association plans to use YMCA-style funding and community involvement to provide ice rink accessibility to South Jersey families. All board members are former figure skaters or ice hockey players, as well as coaches and parents.
The organization members are hopeful that the future facility will serve as a catalyst for economic vitalization in South Jersey, drawing in local families and youth sports tourism. SJIAC is seeking support from local developers to help move the plans forward.
“We’re hopeful and optimistic that they view us as the friends and allies that we are,” expressed SJIAC Co-President Jim O’Donnell. “Our proposal intends to gain widespread support from all over the broader South Jersey region. We plan to provide the support that is needed to make history and complete the Bader Field deal.”
The organization proposes that a small percentage of the proceeds from the Bader Field sale go toward the building of the new ice rink and athletic facility. Meetings are underway with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and CRDA.
Additionally, the SJIAC association has raised just under $10,000 for future developments through direct donations and fundraising events. The immediate goal is to raise $50,000 to begin conceptual design and feasibility studies. A location for the facility has not been confirmed; however, SJIAC intends to build in Atlantic County.
For more information, to donate, or get involved, visit www.SJIAC.org.
