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The ceremonial puck drop took place at the Florida Hospital Center Ice Complex in Wesley Chapel on Wednesday, 25th January 2017 to mark the opening of the new facility which is the largest of its kind outside of New York. There are five rinks in total including three rinks that adhere to the size requirements of the National Hockey League, an Olympic size rink and a junior rink.
Although not all of them were completed by the opening, there are also a number of other facilities that are available at the center. The facility cost an estimated $22.5 million to build in total and will also feature a fitness gym, ballet studio, a 90-yard turfed track, a pro shop, a bar and restaurant, a snack bar and meeting facilities.
The biggest challenge for the center is to ensure that people use the ice rinks year-round, not just in the winter. This is something that is more achievable with the climate of Florida. People will use the ice in the summer to cool down and in the winter because there is normally no outdoor ice with the mild winters in Florida. In addition to ice hockey, people can also enjoy figure skating and leisurely open skate times. Some hockey tournaments have already been arranged and these include adult tournaments as well as those that are played by local schools. There has also been interest expressed in the ice rinks from National Hockey League teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks
It is hoped that the center will attract visitors from all over the United States and that this will provide a boost for tourism in the area. Hotels and restaurants will obviously benefit from having more people from out of town visit the area. Tourist attractions, local shops, and other services will also benefit from an increase in visitors to the area and is something that can benefit Pasco County.
If you are interested in information on homes for sale in Wesley Chapel, FL, or any real estate in the Tampa Bay area, please contact Rose & Joe LoCicero at (813) 435-5411 or start your home search now.
