Nelson Center Ice Rink

Springfield, IL · Public skating times & prices

Opened in the early 1970s with one rink; a second NHL-size sheet was added in 2002

Public skating at Nelson Center Ice Rink: the next 7 days

Monday, October 12

  • · Public Skate · $8

Tuesday, October 13

  • · Public Skate · $8

Wednesday, October 14

  • · Public Skate · $8

Thursday, October 15

  • · Public Skate · $8

Friday, October 16

  • · Public Skate · $8
  • · Public Skate · $8

Saturday, October 17

  • · Public Skate · $8

Sunday, October 18

  • · Public Skate · $8

Admission and skate rental

Admission
$8 · Official source
Skate rental
free · Official source
Address
1601 N. 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone
217-753-2800
Website
springfieldparks.org
The Nelson Center building on North 5th Street, its name on the fascia above the entrance by the summer pool deck — Nelson Center Ice Rink
The Nelson Center building on North 5th Street, its name on the fascia above the entrance by the summer pool deck Photo: Google Maps listing · Source
Elevated view from the bleachers of the full ice sheet at Nelson Center, boards and glass around the rink, sponsor banners and a "Let's Go Jr. Blues!" banner on the far wall, a few skaters on the ice — Nelson Center Ice Rink
Elevated view from the bleachers of the full ice sheet at Nelson Center, boards and glass around the rink, sponsor banners and a "Let's Go Jr. Blues!" banner on the far wall, a few skaters on the ice Photo: Springfield Park District · Source

Home of the Springfield Jr. Blues

The Franklin P. Nelson Recreation Center, run by the Springfield Park District, opened in the early 1970s with a single ice rink. A second rink followed in 2002, giving the building two NHL regulation-size sheets, the only two indoor ice rinks within a 60-mile radius of Springfield.

The arena seats 2,100 and holds nine locker rooms; locals know it as The Nelly. The Springfield Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League play here, sharing the ice with the Lincoln Land High School Hockey Association, the Springfield Youth Hockey Association and the Springfield Figure Skating Club, along with adult recreational hockey leagues and public skating. On May 30, 1976, the building hosted Rush on the band's 2112 tour.

The ice rink was renovated and reopened in November 2025, with the work aimed at the facility's amenities and comfort for skaters, athletes and families.

Before you head out.

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

Admission

Discount Skate costs $8.00 on the October 2026 schedule, and the price includes skate rental even if you bring your own skates.

Source checked · · Official source

Skates & rentals

Skate rental is included in the $8.00 Discount Skate price on the October 2026 schedule.

Source checked · · Official source

Booking & check-in

Call 217-753-2800 ahead of time to confirm public skate times, because sessions can be canceled for tournaments, games or special events.

Source checked · · Official source

Parking & arrival

Parking is free.

Source checked · · Official source

Accessibility

KultureCity sensory bags with badges, fidget tools, sunglasses, a communication card and noise-canceling headphones can be checked out at no cost by leaving an ID.

Source checked · · Official source

Amenities

The Nelson Center contains two indoor ice rinks, nine locker rooms and concession areas that are open to the public year-round.

Source checked · · Official source

Rink rules

Children 10 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult aged 16 or older.

Source checked · · Official source

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