The construction of the Ice Hall in Szombathely is on schedule. The outdoor ice rink will remain, and a new building will be erected next to it. With its 60m x 30m sized rink, the new hall will serve as an excellent venue for domestic and international hockey matches as well as other winter sports. For the time being, the skates must be hung up: the ice rink is currently closed.

The facility’s popularity, however, is constant; some 57,000 visitors went on the ice this season. Ice sports athletes (and their audiences) are thoroughly disappointed that they will have to wait over 6 months to slide on the Szombathely ice again. We hope this will be the last time they have to wait. The soon to be completed indoor ice rink will be available for use 11 months out of the year. With the foundation-stone already laid at the end of 2017, the actual work began in early January 2018.

The preparatory processes for the construction were completed soon after, including the demarcation of the construction area, the erection of the protector fence, the completion of the planned demolition work and the designation of the corners of the building. Under the professional supervision of archaeologists, the humus soil layer was removed. Currently, the prefabricated concrete structures and support pillars are being put in place; the concrete is being poured at the base of the additional building, and the basic mechanical installation is made. Overall, the construction is proceeding to plan.

The total cost of the investment is HUF 2.2 billion, and its realisation is made possible by the Corporate Tax Relief subsidy. The builders are the Szombathely Penguins Hockey Club, SZOVA Non-profit Zrt. and the City of Szombathely.So, what will the finished indoor ice rink look like? Once construction is completed, an ice hall will exist in accordance with the regulations of both the international and the Hungarian hockey associations. This will allow domestic and even international hockey matches to be held in the facility. Of course, the ice surface will be suitable for other ice sports and public skating too. The auditorium will be able to accommodate 450 people although the capacity can be further increased later if required. The building contains 7 athletes' changing rooms and additional changing rooms.

There will also be a communal buffet and reception area, a gym, a coaching zone, and a club room too.But that’s not all! The creation of an indoor ice rink is just one part of renewing the facility’s complex and increasing its attractiveness to visitors. Among other things, SZOVA Non-profit Zrt. plans to build both an ice promenade and a recreation centre in the area. The first of their kind in Hungary, together, they will provide a unique recreational opportunity for guests.As the work is going ahead at pace, this also means some changes in the life of the Bathing-Lake-Ice Rink facility. We ask guests for their patience and understanding during construction. Soon we will all be able to enjoy the fruits of these temporary inconveniences in the Szombathely Indoor Ice Hall!