Kristian Ferrell
Arenas that host both basketball and hockey games have to switch between the two sports' respective floors. The process of converting a basketball court into an ice hockey rink involves first removing the walls and glass panels surrounding the rink. Then, large pieces of insulated plywood are laid out across the ice. Finally, the basketball court, made up of 285 wooden pieces, is assembled on top of the plywood. The plywood is designed to keep the ice cool and the court warm, and the court is heavy enough to stay in place without sliding on the ice. To convert the court back into a rink, the process is reversed. The ice is only removed when the regular season and playoffs are over, and the melting process is initiated by warming and circulating brinewater underneath the ice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for transformation | 90 minutes to 24 hours |
| Basketball court weight | 26.5 tons |
| Basketball court pieces | 285 |
| Basketball court piece weight | 175-190 lbs |
| Ice removal | Brinewater is warmed and circulated under the ice to melt it |
| Ice temperature control | Refrigeration compressors and coolant pipes |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the basketball court is suitable to be turned into an ice rink
To ensure that your basketball court is suitable to be turned into an ice rink, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to assess the surface of the court. A hockey rink requires a smooth, flat surface, so ensure that your basketball court meets this criterion. If the court has any cracks or holes, they must be filled with concrete or sealant to create a seamless surface.
Another essential aspect is drainage. A proper draining system is necessary for melting ice, so make sure your basketball court has access to a functional drain. If it doesn't, it may not be advisable to use it as a hockey rink. Additionally, you will need a water source to fill the rink and maintain the ice.
Before beginning the conversion process, it is imperative to clean the court thoroughly and remove any debris or obstacles. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for the rink. It is also recommended to engage the services of a professional with experience in converting courts to rinks, as they will have the necessary tools and equipment to assist you in this endeavour.
To initiate the transformation, you will require ice rink liners—large, heavy-duty plastic sheets that create a barrier between the ice and the court surface. These liners must cover the entire area, and their edges should be secured with weights or stakes. Subsequently, utilise brackets and boards to construct the walls around the perimeter of your rink. The standard height for a hockey rink wall is 40 inches, but adjustments can be made depending on your space.
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Prepare the court surface by cleaning it thoroughly
To prepare the court surface for an NHL ice hockey rink, it must be thoroughly cleaned. The existing surface should first be inspected for any holes, cracks, or other imperfections. Patch any holes and cracks with spackling or patching compound, or wood filler or putty if the surface is wooden. Allow the patched areas to dry, then sand the surface smooth. For glossy or non-porous surfaces, sand to a dull finish or use an abrasive cleanser. Remove all dust with a tack cloth.
Next, wash the court surface with warm, soapy water, scrubbing thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, soap, oil, or other surface contaminants. Rinse the surface with clear water and allow it to dry completely. If there is old paint on the surface, remove it by sanding, scraping, or using a chemical remover. Be cautious when removing old paint, as this may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Always use proper protective equipment, such as a respirator, when working with old paint.
Once the surface is clean, dry, and smooth, it is important to prime it before painting. Dilute your primer with a small amount of water, then apply it to the surface and let it dry. For exterior surfaces, do not paint if rain is predicted or if the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, unless you are using products designed for these conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying and curing times, as these can vary depending on the type of surface and primer used.
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Lay out ice rink liners
To change a basketball court into an NHL-ready ice hockey rink, you'll need to lay out ice rink liners. This process is much faster than building up ice without a liner and allows you to preserve the grass or floor underneath.
First, you'll need to choose a liner. Iron Sleek offers liners in 100 different sizes, made from the highest-quality resin melt plastic. Their liners are designed to absorb the abuse of a cold winter and can hold up to 18 inches of water. Alternatively, RinkMaster liners are 20% thicker than the competition's 5 mil, 7-ply liners and are the top-selling liners in Canada.
When selecting a liner, it's important to consider the size and pitch of your rink. While a level site is always better, it is not as critical if you are using a liner. If you have less than 12 inches of pitch, you don't need to bother levelling the site. With a liner, you can compensate for unlevel ground by using taller boards where the water is deeper.
Once you've selected and purchased your liner, it's time to lay it down. This should be done right before a deep freeze is coming, as the grass will already be dormant. If you remove the liner before the grass becomes active, it will come back healthier and stronger.
Finally, you can fill your liner with water and wait for it to freeze. With Iron Sleek's liners, it's as easy as frame, fill, and freeze. Simply frame the rink with your boards, fill your liner, and wait for the cold to do the rest.
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Install walls around the perimeter of the rink
To install walls around the perimeter of the rink, you will need to follow a few steps and consider some key factors. Firstly, it is important to understand the standard dimensions of a hockey rink. A standard NHL rink is 85 feet by 200 feet, with rounded corners and surrounded by walls that are approximately 40 to 48 inches high. These walls are called "boards".
The first step in installing the walls is to determine the exact measurements of your rink area. This will ensure that the walls fit perfectly around the perimeter. You can either use pre-made rink board configurations or customise the walls to your specific measurements. The D1 Backyard Rinks company, for example, offers customisation services for their synthetic ice rink boards at no additional charge.
Next, decide whether you want to install permanent or portable board supports. This decision may depend on factors such as the location of your rink, whether it will be used indoors or outdoors, and your budget. If you are installing walls for an indoor rink, you can mount the boards directly to any wall or flat surface.
When installing the walls, it is important to ensure that they are securely attached to the ground or surface to ensure stability. The boards should form a continuous wall around the perimeter, with the "side boards" along the long sides, "half boards" between the goal line and blue line, and "end boards" at the sections behind each goal.
Finally, consider any additional features you may want to include, such as a player gate or specific colouring for the caprail, dasher face, and kickplate. For outdoor rinks, you may also want to invest in rink boards with UV protection to prevent discolouration over time.
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Piece together the basketball floor
Installing a basketball court can be a fun and rewarding project. The first step is to choose a location that is reasonably flat to minimise excavation. The recommended base for a basketball court is 100mm-thick reinforced concrete, which provides longevity, performance, and value. Other suitable bases include pavers, asphalt, or decking.
The next step is to install the subfloor and maple. The maple should be laid out in a puzzle-like pattern across the subfloor, allowing it to evenly absorb moisture and acclimate to its environment. This process usually takes 5-10 days. Once the maple is properly acclimated, it can be nailed down using nail guns and sledgehammers. Gaps, called expansion rows, are left in the floor to allow for the expansion and contraction of the wood due to changes in humidity.
After nailing the maple, the floor is sanded three times with different sandpaper grits until it is smooth and even. This process takes around 4-5 days. The floor is then cleaned and prepared for sealing. Two coats of seal are applied to the floor, with 24 hours of dry time between coats.
Finally, the floor is ready for painting. Line markings can be painted on the court, including the free-throw line, the free-throw lane, the 3-point line, and the no-charge semi-circle. Alternatively, pre-painted court tiles can be installed, which are designed to be slip-resistant and easy to fit together. These tiles are suitable for both permanent and temporary installations and can be left in place year-round or taken down for special events.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the walls and glass panels around the basketball court. Then, lay out large pieces of insulated plywood over the ice. The basketball court is then pieced together like a puzzle on top of the plywood. The plywood keeps the ice cool and the court warm, and the court is heavy enough to stay in place on its own.
Depending on the technology used and the workforce available, the transition can take as little as 90 minutes with a large crew or a full day with a smaller crew.
The ice is rarely removed and is instead kept frozen underneath the basketball court. Only when the regular season and playoffs are over is the ice melted and removed.
