Business Spotlight: Seven Bridges Ice Arena

While talking to General Manager Jen Elliot, we learned that there's more to the massive building than you may think. There's an indoor turf field available for rent, dozens of unique programs and events and a surprising menu and full bar.

Patch: Can you tell me about some of the programs offered for kids?

Elliot: We offer a variety of programming for kids interested in ice skating or hockey. The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program and Therapeutic Skating Program are designed to teach kids of all ages and ability levels the fundamentals of skating. The next session begins Oct. 20.

We also offers Rocky Hockey for skaters interested in hockey. These Learn-to-Skate Hockey and Pre-Hockey Classes are taught by former NHL player, Rocky Saganiuk. Kids partake in skills and drills that teach the basics of hockey as well as prepare your player for the next level. The winter session of Rocky Hockey begins Oct. 15. 

New to the arena this year is our Mite/Squirt Youth House League. The league is geared toward kids ready to play on a team. Practices and games take place on Saturdays and Sundays. This program also begins Oct. 15.

If children are just looking to get a little practice in or have fun with a couple of friends, we offer daily public skating sessions.

Patch: What are the programs for adults?

Elliott: We offer Adult Learn-to-Skate classes (18 and above) where participants in the class are at varying levels and our instructors tailor the class to each skater. On Friday nights, Rocky Hockey offers an adult skills and drills drop-in clinic at 10:10 p.m. This program is perfect for beginner hockey players or those interested in learning. Full equipment is required. For more experienced adult hockey players, we offer a adult league that takes place in the evenings.

Patch: What are some events that will take place at the arena?

Elliott:  On Oct. 31, we will host a Halloween Party and Skate from 5:50-7:10 p.m. There will be on-ice games as well as a family skate. Admission is $5 and includes skate rental. If you register for Winter I session of skate school, the party is free.

We hold several hockey tournaments that bring teams from all over the world. We are proud to host the Bauer Invite on November 4, 5 and 6. The Seven Bridges Ice Arena is proud to be the home of the Chicago Mission AAA Hockey Teams, as well as Naperville Central High School Hockey Club, Benet Hockey Club and Wheaton Warrenville South Hockey Club.

We host a Holiday Exhibition, which takes place in December, and an annual Spring Ice Show featuring our Basic Skills and Competitve Skaters. Each year a special guest skater performs at the Spring Ice Show. Last year the 2011 Men’s National Champion Ryan Bradley was our premier guest skater.

During National Skating Month in January, we host a celebration which includes free skating lessons, on-ice games, free public skate and a skating exhibition. This year our event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21.

We hold an annual seminar in February for our competitive program skaters. Presenters are World- and Olympic-level coaches who work with our skaters both in a seminar group setting and on an individual basis.

This fall we started a USFS Therapeutic Skating Program for special needs children. The instructors for this program all have Special Needs Educational Backgrounds as well as competitive figure skating backgrounds. 

Skating offers many benefits to special needs children, as it provides a social outlet, exercise and promotes self-esteem. Our class times are from 8:10-9:10 a.m. on Saturdays.
 
Patch: What should new skaters remember before getting on the ice?

Elliott: Always dress in warm layers, wearing gloves, ski pants and a warm jacket. Helmets are also recommended for beginner level skaters. 
If possible, have an experienced skater teach you the proper technique for falling and getting up. Remember, as a beginner-level skater you will experience falling. This is part of a skater's learning and developmental process.
 
Patch: With such an extensive menu offered at Blue Line Bar and Grill within the arena, what is the best item on the menu?
 
Elliott: Blue Line features an extensive menu as well as catering options and full bar. The must-have item on the menu is The Stanley. Its a half pound burger with BBQ sauce, fried onions, cheddar, swiss and provolone served on a grilled pretzel roll. Delicious!
 
For current schedule of public skating hours or more information about any programs, please visit www.sevenbridges.com.