Centre Ice Rink

The Centre Ice Rink at Delaware State Fair offers indoor ice hockey, figure skating and public skating, for athletes, travelers and residents to enjoy. The Centre is home to the teams such as; The Bay Country Figure Skating Club, Salisbury Hockey, Delmarva Raptors, the Harrington Havoc and other skating enthusiasts. Check out our fun programming like Learn to Skate and Play Hockey classes, fun Birthday Party Packages, Public Skating and more. The Centre Ice Rink where its Cool Fun for Everyone!

Delaware State Fair- Centre Ice Rink Closure Information

Dear Community Members,
After two decades of cherished memories, joyful moments, and countless community events, the Delaware State Fair, in conjunction with our Board of Directors, wants to thank everyone who has contributed to the vibrancy, athleticism, and community fostered on our Centre Ice Rink over the last 20 years. Following the 2025 spring season, it is with gratitude and a lot of sadness that we announce that the Rink will be closing in May 2025, following a majority Board vote this week.

Please know that this decision was not made lightly. Over the years, the Centre Ice Rink has faced increasing financial challenges, including mounting repair and maintenance costs, and despite our team’s tireless efforts to find sustainable solutions, the costs required to keep the rink operational are simply no longer feasible. This includes an immediate need of $500,000, and an additional million dollars in repairs over the next few years, not accounting for year-to-year maintenance costs. We understand the community’s pleas and efforts to raise money to save the rink, but when we say we explored every option, we genuinely mean it – crowdsourcing and funding solutions do not provide the long-term sustainability required to keep the rink operational, and asking the community to raise such significant capital, year-over-year, was an ask too great. We are here to serve the community, not take from them.  

We recognize the tremendous impact this transition will have on the athletes, families, coaches, and organizations who have called the rink home for the past 20 years. We are committed to working with them to ensure they have all the information and support needed for a smooth transition to alternative skating venues. And we are keenly aware that this change is scary, will require some effort, and may be worrisome – but we are comforted to know that we have rink options within 25 miles of Center Ice Rink. 

While this chapter of the rink’s history is slowly coming to an end, we want to assure you that we have endless opportunities ahead for our community. When the season is completed, and the transition underway, we do hope that all of our families and constituents will utilize the new multi-use event center, which will be designed to support a wide range of activities, from agricultural events and concerts to youth programming and community gatherings. Our intended plan following the end of the season is to transition this space into a more sustainable and dynamic venue for the community.

The decision to reallocate assets into a venture that will fund and support the community differently was made with the future in mind. No profits are being made personally – this decision is being made for the benefit of the entire community. This is a significant change, but one that will serve and support our community in new ways.

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals, families, and organizations who continue to make the Centre Ice Rink such a special place. To the skaters, hockey teams, figure skating clubs, and all who found a home on the ice- thank you for being part of this journey, we are cheering you on through the end of this season and are certain you will come out victorious.

As always, thank you for your support and understanding. The Delaware State Fair remains committed to enriching our community now and in the years to come.

With Gratitude,

The Delaware State Fair

Alternate Skating facilities for families to consider: Click Here

Centre Ice Rink Closure Press Release: Click Here