Ice skating rink celebrating 50 years of keeping it cool
Alec Pascuzzi
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Bode Ice Arena is celebrating its anniversary of serving St. Joseph for half a century this weekend.
The Arena opened its doors in 1975. Over the many years, it has served as a home to local figure skaters and hockey teams.
The rink has had a lasting impact on the community and those who have spent time there.
“Another thing about this program that’s just so amazing is watching these kids go through the program when they’re players, and then they grow up, they go away, and then they come back as adults, and then they just make a huge difference in the community itself,” said Martial Thevenot, a former youth hockey coach and skater at the Arena.
Thevenot explained the sentimental power Bode has on those who grew up skating at its facilities.
“Anyone who actually comes in here and leaves, leaves with something extra that they can give back to the community and that’s been just one of the powerful things that’s come out of this rink,” said Martial Thevenot, a former youth hockey coach and skater.
Bode Ice Arena is inviting the community of St. Joseph to come out for their 50-year anniversary to celebrate this milestone and experience all the fun that their rink has to offer.
“It’s $5 admission, so that everyone can come and experience what our rink has. We wanted to make it affordable, and we wanted it to be a place where people could come and celebrate memories that they have while they shared years of experiences through Bode Ice Arena,” said Christine Feuerbacher, programs and concession coordinator.
Visitors can participate in ice skating from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. On Sunday, the rink will hold free public skating from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Bode Ice Arena is located at 2500 Southwest Parkway in St. Joseph.