Andrew Pace
In major arenas, a large team of professionals is required to convert a basketball court to a hockey rink and vice versa. The process can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a full day, depending on the technology used, the workforce available, and the size of the crew. In Los Angeles' Staples Center, the basketball court is converted into an ice hockey rink by first preparing the court surface and ensuring it is free of debris. Next, ice rink liners are laid out, followed by the creation of walls using brackets and boards. The ice hockey rink remains in place throughout the season, with the basketball court placed on top of it. This process is a testament to the modern technology that enables arenas to host both professional basketball and ice hockey teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flooring | Basketball courts use wooden flooring, whereas hockey rinks require a smooth, flat surface with a proper draining system for melting ice. |
| Infrastructure | Hockey rinks require protective glass walls and a penalty box on both sides of the ice, which can be assembled as temporary structures when converting from a basketball court. |
| Seating | Basketball courts have seating right up to the back of the players on the floor, while hockey rinks need to have the seating set back to accommodate the glass walls. |
| Scoreboard | Scoreboards for basketball and hockey have different requirements, with newer multi-sport scoreboards available that can be easily converted for both sports. |
| Conversion Process | To convert a hockey rink to a basketball court, the walls and glass panels are removed, and insulated plywood is laid out over the ice. Hardwood pieces are then placed on top to form the basketball court. The process is reversed to convert back to a hockey rink. |
| Time | Depending on the technology and workforce available, the conversion process can take as little as 90 minutes with a large crew or up to a full day with a smaller crew. |
| Ice Maintenance | The ice rink is maintained at a freezing temperature using an ice-bearing concrete slab embedded with pipes filled with brinewater (an antifreeze agent). |
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What You'll Learn
The ice rink is covered with insulated plywood and hardwood
The process of converting a hockey rink to a basketball court involves several steps and careful planning. The first step is to remove the walls, glass panels, and dasher boards that surround the ice rink. This is done to expose the ice and provide space for the basketball court. Once the ice is exposed, the rink staff will insulate it to prevent melting. This is a crucial step, especially in warmer months, as it helps maintain the integrity of the ice while allowing for basketball games to be played above.
The insulation also serves as a protective layer for the basketball court. The ice rink is then covered with a layer of insulated plywood, which plays a vital role in keeping the basketball court warm and preventing the ice from melting. This plywood is specifically designed to manage temperature differences, ensuring that the basketball court remains comfortable for players and that the ice rink can be preserved for future use.
After the insulated plywood is securely laid out, the basketball court's hardwood floor is pieced together atop it. Each piece of hardwood is carefully placed and locked into position, creating a smooth and seamless playing surface for basketball games. The hardwood floor is heavy enough to stay in place, providing stability and a familiar feel for basketball players. This transformation process allows for the safe and efficient utilisation of the same arena space for both basketball and hockey games.
The conversion from a hockey rink to a basketball court is a complex procedure that requires careful coordination and a significant amount of manpower. Depending on the available workforce and technology used, the transition can be completed in as little as 90 minutes or may extend up to a full workday. The reverse process is followed to convert the basketball court back into a hockey rink, ensuring that the ice rink is maintained and ready for use when the basketball season ends.
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Basketball court surface preparation and cleaning
Before converting a basketball court into a hockey rink, it is important to prepare the court surface by cleaning it thoroughly. This will ensure a smooth transition and a flat, even surface for the rink. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing and cleaning the basketball court surface:
Firstly, ensure that the basketball court is clear of any debris or obstacles. Use a sturdy broom with stiff bristles to sweep away any loose dirt, dust, or grit from the court surface. Pay special attention to any areas with heavy staining or spills. These areas may require a more intensive cleaning approach, such as using a lightly moistened microfiber cloth to spot clean. Alternatively, a soft-bristle brush can be used to gently scrub away stubborn scuff marks and stains without damaging the surface.
Next, it is important to fill in any holes or cracks in the court surface. Use concrete or sealant to create a smooth, even surface. Once the surface is prepared, it is ready for the installation of the ice rink.
For indoor basketball courts, a water hose can be used for cleaning, while outdoor courts may benefit from pressure cleaning. It is crucial to properly rinse the court during wet cleaning and ensure that it is thoroughly dried afterward using absorbent cloths or towels to prevent accidents.
To maintain the basketball court surface on a daily basis, schedule early morning cleaning to remove any dust that settled overnight. Use walk-off mats at the entrances to trap dirt and grit before it reaches the court surface. During tournaments or busy periods, use dry microfiber cloths to soak up spilled water or sweat, and surround the playing floor with runners to protect it from hard-soled shoes.
By following these steps, you can effectively prepare and clean a basketball court surface, ensuring it is ready for the conversion to a hockey rink and maintaining its pristine condition for player safety and enjoyment.
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Installing rink liners, walls, and glass panels
When converting a basketball court into a hockey rink, one of the first steps is to install rink liners. It is important to choose a flat, shady area free of rocks to begin building your rink. The liners are large, heavy-duty plastic sheets that create a barrier between the ice and the court surface. The ideal liner is durable, tear-resistant, and able to withstand varying weather conditions. Once the liner is chosen, it is laid out on the court surface, covering the entire area, and secured with weights or stakes.
The next step is to build the walls of the rink. This is done using boards and brackets, with the brackets holding the boards in place. The standard height for a hockey rink wall is 40 inches, but this can be adjusted depending on the space.
After the walls are in place, the glass panels can be installed. The glass serves several purposes, including protecting spectators from flying pucks, keeping the cold air in during setup, and providing an unobstructed view of the game. There are two main types of shielding used in hockey rinks: tempered glass and acrylic panels. Tempered glass is created through a process of successive heating and cooling to strengthen it, and it is used along the sides of the rink, around the team benches, and the penalty box. Acrylic panels, also known as Plexiglass, are more flexible and better at absorbing impact than tempered glass. They are used to line the ends of the rink and are mounted on the outside of the boards.
It is important to note that the rink liner should not be stapled to the boards before the rink is completely full, as this can cause excessive strain and lead to tears. Instead, the rink should be filled in layers over a few days to create a smooth, hard surface.
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Removing rink ice, walls, and glass panels
When converting a basketball court into a hockey rink, one of the most important steps is preparing the court surface. This includes removing the rink ice, walls, and glass panels to create a smooth, flat surface.
To remove the rink ice, it is essential to use a snow shovel or similar tool to chip away at the ice and remove any debris, snow, or chunks of uneven ice. It is crucial to clean the surface after each skate to prevent melting and freezing in an uneven layer, which can be a tripping hazard. While it is generally advised to let the ice freeze on its own, in certain cases, hot water can be used to melt small bumps and create a smooth, glass-like finish.
The next step is to remove the walls and glass panels surrounding the rink. This process involves taking down the boards and brackets that provide structure and hold the walls in place. The glass panels, typically made of tempered glass or Plexiglass, are then carefully removed. To detach the glass panels, any grout or adhesive holding them in place must be scraped away, and solvent may be applied to soften the mastic, allowing for easier removal.
It is important to note that removing damaged or broken structural glass panels requires careful handling and adherence to safety precautions. This process may vary depending on the specific type of glass used, as polycarbonate panels, for example, offer more flexibility than tempered glass or Plexiglass.
Once the walls and glass panels are removed, the surface is ready for the next step in the conversion process, which typically involves installing deck boards and basketball-specific flooring. The transformation from basketball court to hockey rink requires careful planning and a range of tools, and it is a complex process that arena staff undertake regularly.
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Scoreboard and seating adjustments
The process of converting a basketball court to a hockey rink involves significant adjustments to the scoreboard and seating arrangements to accommodate the different requirements of the two sports. Here are the key steps involved in these adjustments:
Scoreboard Adjustments
The scoreboard is a crucial component of the conversion process, as it needs to be modified to suit the specific needs of basketball and hockey. This may include changing the terminology on the scoreboard, such as changing "penalty" to "fouls". Modern scoreboards designed for multi-sport use can be easily converted with simple modifications. For example, small LED panels can be used to display different terms for the two sports. Additionally, larger LED screens can be used as video boards to display scores and provide a clear view of the court for spectators in the upper levels. These screens offer versatility and can be customised for each event.
Seating Arrangement Adjustments
The seating arrangements for basketball and hockey differ due to the distinct nature of the sports. In basketball, seating is usually closer to the playing area, with seats right up to the back of the players on the floor. In contrast, hockey requires a protective glass wall and penalty boxes, resulting in seating being set back slightly. Retractable seating systems are often employed to quickly adjust the seating layout, allowing for efficient conversions. During hockey games, seating behind the basketball hoops may be covered or retracted to prevent obstructed views. Temporary seating structures may also be set up along the sides of the rink in hockey to accommodate additional spectators. The process of reconfiguring seating can take up to four hours to ensure optimal viewing experiences for all attendees.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the technology used, workforce available, and crew size, the conversion time can range from 90 minutes to a full day.
First, the basketball court surface is cleaned and prepared, ensuring it is free of debris and obstacles. Any holes or cracks are filled with concrete or sealant. Next, ice rink liners are laid out and secured with weights or stakes. Then, walls are created around the perimeter of the rink using brackets and boards. Finally, water is added to the rink and frozen.
A hockey rink requires a smooth, flat surface and a proper draining system for melting ice. The basketball court must be built on a level surface with access to a functional drain.
The Staples Center in Los Angeles is home to both the Lakers and Clippers basketball teams, as well as the Kings hockey team. In May 2012, the arena successfully converted between the basketball court and hockey rink multiple times within a week.
