BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem is breaking ground on a third ice rink as demand for ice sports continues to grow across the Lehigh Valley.
Owner Keith Krem says the center’s two existing rinks are already booked, creating a need for additional ice space.
“We have a growing ice sports community, whether that be ice hockey, figure skating at the youth level, adult level, etc. We just need more ice resources in the Lehigh Valley,” Krem said.
The new ice surface is part of a larger expansion at the center. Krem said the project will also include a locker room complex for Lehigh University and a 4,000-square-foot athletic training facility.
For Krem, the expansion represents more than an additional sheet of ice. He said it will help introduce more children to skating, provide athletes with more opportunities to compete and support the continued growth of ice sports in the region.
“Being able to impact the growth of the game of hockey, but really the growth of ice sports in general, I mean, that’s a huge accomplishment. Something I’m really proud of,” Krem said.
Adam Swift, who teaches skating to people of all ages at the center, said the additional rink will help ease the demand for ice time.
“It’s always packed here throughout the week. So that third rink is going to be very helpful,” Swift said.
Krem said construction is expected to be completed by July 31, 2027.