Bird Ice Arena

Athens, OH · Public skating times & prices

Ohio University's Bird Ice Arena, home of the four-time ACHA national champion Bobcats

Public skating at Bird Ice Arena: the next 7 days

Sunday, October 11

  • · Public Skate

Thursday, October 15

  • · Public Skate

Friday, October 16

  • · Public Skate

Admission and skate rental

Admission
$5–$7 · Official source
Address
102 Oxbow Trail, Athens, OH 45701
Phone
(740) 593-4623
Website
ohio.edu
The ice surface at Bird Ice Arena with the resurfacer at work, seen through the boards glass. — Bird Ice Arena
The ice surface at Bird Ice Arena with the resurfacer at work, seen through the boards glass. Photo: Google Maps listing · Source

Athens' only indoor ice, open since 1957

Bird Ice Arena is Athens' only indoor ice facility, a full-size 190 by 85 foot surface built in 1957 with a Crystaplex dasher board system. It is named for Ossian Clinton Bird, who came to Ohio University as Director of the Division of Physical Welfare and whose teams enjoyed phenomenal success as director of intercollegiate athletics.

Renovations in 2000-01 added a wing with four locker rooms, new bleachers, thermal windows, an enlarged concession stand and a pro shop. Summer 2024 brought a new ice plant compressor, new arena lighting and a refreshed mezzanine lounge. The rink is home ice for OHIO's four-time ACHA national champion Men's Hockey team.

Expect temperatures around 50 degrees inside, with heaters hanging over the bleachers to keep spectators warm.

Before you head out.

Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.

Admission

Rec Skate costs $7 for community adults and $5 for community children; OHIO students skate free.

Source checked · · Official source

Skates & rentals

Skate rental costs $5.

Source checked · · Official source

Booking & check-in

Rec Skate is open to all ages and skill levels and needs no registration.

Source checked · · Official source

Skating with children

Skaters 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult during Rec Skate. Helmets are strongly recommended and are lent free at the front desk.

Source checked · · Official source

Parking & arrival

Three lots are nearby (122, 120 and 134): 122 and 120 are metered, 120 is closest to the entrance, and 134 is open for community parking after 5 pm Monday to Friday and all day on weekends.

Source checked · · Official source

Accessibility

Wheelchair seating is in bleacher sections A and D, accessible restrooms with baby changing stations are in each, and a threshold ramp leads onto the ice (ask staff).

Source checked · · Official source

A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.