Arlington's two-rink Capitals practice home, the highest ice rink above street level in the U.S.
MedStar Capitals Iceplex sits on the eighth floor of a garage adjoining Ballston Quarter in Arlington, the highest ice rink above street level in the United States. Designed by William R. Drury of Architecture, Incorporated, it was completed in November 2006 at a cost of $42.8 million. It was built to LEED standards, though never registered for certification, and won recognition in Arlington County's inaugural DESIGNArlington awards in 2010.
Originally named Ballston Ice Arena, it became Kettler Capitals Iceplex when developer Robert C. Kettler's firm bought the naming rights in 2006. It kept that name until weeks after the Capitals won their first Stanley Cup in 2018, when MedStar Health took over the naming rights.
The 137,000-square-foot facility has two NHL-size rinks, eight player locker rooms, a pro shop, a Capitals Team Store and event space. It is the official practice home of the NHL's Washington Capitals, and youth teams use it for practices and games.
Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.
Adult Swim, a public skate for ages 21+ aimed at adult beginning skaters, costs $15; lessons are permitted. Public skate sessions must be registered in advance; the page states no regular public skate price.
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Both hockey and figure skates are available to rent. The rink does not carry half sizes.
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Enroll online before coming to the facility. Skaters must wear their admission wristband and skates on the ice.
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Skating aids such as cones, buckets and walkers are prohibited, as is carrying small children. Helmets are recommended. The center area between the four cones is for private lessons or skaters at Basic 4/Adult 4 through Free Skate 1.
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Park in the Ballston Public Parking Garage on levels 3-8 and take the elevator to the rink on level 8. The rink lists $1 for under 3 hours, a $10 daily maximum, or $1 for entry after 6pm with exit before 3am. The rink cannot validate parking. Bus parking is on Randolph Road.
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The facility is not fully handicapped accessible.
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The rink has a pro shop for skates and athletic gear.
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Helmets are recommended for all skaters, along with gloves, socks that come above the ankles and extra padding.
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A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.
