Huntsville’s ice sports complex doubling in size with $44.6 million project

Huntsville has turned to a Nashville-based construction firm involved with some of the highest profile projects in the city to help with the expansion of the Huntsville Ice Sports Center.

The City Council approved a $44.6 million construction contract with ARCO/Murray National Holdings, Inc. to begin work on the project, which will add 118,822 square feet to the existing 83,934-square-foot facility. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027. The facility at 3185 Leeman Ferry Road will double in size with the expansion.

The expansion will include a new arena with seating for 1,254 spectators, a second sheet of ice with five curling lanes, new locker rooms for men and women, ADA-compliant elevators and seating, as well as expanded common areas, concessions, and support spaces.City of Huntsville

The expansion will include a new arena with seating for 1,254 spectators, a second sheet of ice with five curling lanes, new locker rooms for men and women, ADA-compliant elevators and seating, as well as expanded common areas, concessions, and support spaces.

“This expansion will provide residents of Huntsville with even more opportunities to enjoy recreation and organized ice sports,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “An expansion has been long overdue, and with the tremendous growth Huntsville is experiencing, this investment will help us continue building a strong, active, and connected community.”

In addition to expanding access to ice skating, hockey, and curling, the project is expected to enhance the city’s ability to host tournaments, competitions, and other events with positive economic impact.

“The opportunity to grow exponentially allows more of our community to enjoy the wonderful world of ice sports,” ISC Executive Director Dita Dotson-Bowser said. “As Huntsville has grown, many of our programs have reached capacity, resulting in patrons being turned away. The expansion will not only help us meet our ice needs 350 days a year, but it will also increase our economic impact with the additional events the new arena and curling surfaces will allow. Our mission is to serve all ice sports with excellence, and this expansion helps us achieve that.”

Project Features:

• A second sheet of ice with five curling surfaces
• A new arena with 1,254 competition-ready spectator seats
• Expanded men’s and new women’s locker rooms
• ADA-compliant elevators and accessible seating throughout
• Warm room, coaching office, referee locker rooms
• Concessions, Grab & Go area, and expanded lobby space
• Ice mechanical plant, resurfacing storage, and laundry room

The city previously awarded a $1.6 million contract to ArcSpace Studio to design the facility.

According to the contract, ARCO/Murray will have 487 days to complete the arena addition and 543 days to complete the curling addition.

The ice center will remain open during construction.

ARCO/Murray has been the top commercial builder in the Huntsville area the last two years. It is currently involved with the construction of the $375 million Front Row development across from the Von Braun Center at the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street on the old Coca Cola Center site.

It is also the builder for the $110 million Anthem House mixed-use development and Wellory Living apartments in MidCity that are opening this year, as well as the recently opened $67 million Vista at Councill Square mixed development built on a 6.1-acre site at St. Clair Avenue, Davis Circle and Pelham Avenue that is adjacent to Councill High Park.