Bloomington Ice Garden Wins Hockeyville Runner-Up Prize

Bloomington was the runner-up winner in the Kraft Hockeyville USA 2017 national contest. The Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG) will receive $75,000 for rink improvements.

“We are so pleased to accept this prize on behalf of the Bloomington community,” Ice Garden Manager Bob Carr said in a statement. “The money will be used for planned renovations of the facility. This has been a great experience for everyone involved.”

BIG collected enough votes in semifinal round of voting to take on Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon, PA, in the finals April 24-25. As the grand prize winner, Belle Vernon, PA will receive $150,000 toward arena upgrades and will be host to a NHL preseason game, according to a news release.

BIG was chosen as one of 10 finalists out of 1,300 ice arenas around the country to compete in the Kraft Hockeyville contest. As community members voted to advance their favorite facilities, BIG moved on to the final four and then as one of two ice arenas to compete in the finals.

Opened in March 1970, BIG is the practice facility for Kennedy, Jefferson and Bloomington Girls high school hockey teams and is home to a successful figure skating program.

Image via Google Streetview