Why can’t you just go to a different rink?
Houston is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, yet it is severely “under-iced.” With only five rinks serving over 7 million people, every existing facility is already operating at or near maximum capacity. For many families, Memorial City is the only centrally located facility; moving to another rink could mean a 45-60 minute commute each way. Furthermore, each rink has its own dedicated leagues and programs—other facilities simply do not have the ice-time “slots” available to absorb the hundreds of hockey players and figure skaters currently calling Memorial City home.
Why can’t you just build your own rink?
Building a modern twin-sheet ice facility from the ground up requires significant land, specialized industrial refrigeration infrastructure, and a multi-million dollar capital investment. The infrastructure for an ice rink already exists at Memorial City. From an urban planning and sustainability perspective, it is far more efficient to renovate and modernize an existing community anchor than to start from scratch. Our petition asks MetroNational to recognize the value of the infrastructure they already have and to include it as a centerpiece in their future redevelopment plans.
What makes Memorial City Ice Rink so special?
Memorial City Ice Rink is more than just a sheet of ice; it is a unique “high-visibility” gateway to ice sports. Because it is located within a major shopping center, it introduces thousands of people to skating who might never visit a standalone industrial rink. It serves as a vital community hub where youth and adult hockey, figure skating, and “Learn to Skate” programs coexist with public sessions. Its location allows families to combine sports with dining and shopping, contributing to the local economy while providing a safe, climate-controlled environment for exercise and recreation in the heart of Houston.
Have you contacted MetroNational?
Yes. Many of us have sent e-mails to the MetroNational Board. Our most recent official letter to MetroNational is attached below. We have yet to hear back.
What are the key reasons to keep the rink open?
- Community Hub & Social Value: It functions as a central community landmark for Houston families, offering a space for birthday parties and weekend family fun, with estimated weekly visits of 3,000.
- Essential Training Ground: It is one of the few local facilities producing youth figure skaters and hockey players in the area. The rink has trained athletes who have reached top levels, including Olympic skater Emily Chan.
- Lack of Alternatives: The closure creates a, “net loss of ice” in the area, putting stress on the limited available rinks in Houston.
- Economic Impact: The rink acts as a significant draw for the mall, driving foot traffic that benefits adjacent retail and food businesses.
- Development Potential: Supporters hope that renovation plans can be adapted to keep the ice rink, rather than replacing it with other commercial space, keeping a “unique” feature of the mall.
What can I do to help save the rink?
The most important thing you can do is show MetroNational that this isn’t just a building—it’s a community. Here is how you can take action today:
Spread the Word: Download our digital fact sheet from the website to share with local news outlets, school boards, or community groups to help us keep the momentum going.
Sign and Share the Petition: Visit SaveMemorialRink.org to add your name to our official petition. Once you’ve signed, share the link with your teammates, friends, and family.
Share Your Story: Post a photo or video of your favorite memory at the rink on Instagram or TikTok. Use the hashtag #SaveMemorialRink and tag us @savememorialcityicerink (IG) or @save.memorial.cit (TikTok) so we can amplify your voice.
Contact Management: Send a polite, personal email to MetroNational’s management office. Let them know how the rink has impacted your life and why you want to see it included in the new mall renovations.
Show Up in Person: Stay tuned to our social media for announcements regarding community rallies and “skate-ins.” A sea of jerseys and skating jackets at the mall sends a powerful visual message that the community isn’t ready to say goodbye.