June 9, 2026
Facility Feasibility Study
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Forge Community Iceplex is a proposed 70,000+ square foot year-round ice and community facility in Bend, Oregon — Central Oregon’s first two-sheet NHL-regulation ice rink. This feasibility study evaluates the facility concept, its operational model, market demand drivers, competitive positioning, and economic impact potential.
The analysis draws on demographic data, national facility benchmarking, sports tourism industry research, and local market conditions. Findings confirm that the facility is operationally feasible and that the Bend market presents favorable conditions for its long-term success.
Executive Findings
- Central Oregon has zero year-round ice facilities — The Forge addresses a defined and documented gap
- Bend’s population is growing at nearly 4x the national rate, expanding the future participant base
- Household income and recreation spending in Bend exceed state and national averages
- Two sheets of ice meet the minimum threshold to host regional and national tournaments
- Diversified revenue streams — programs, events, food & beverage, memberships, pro shop — support long-term stability
- Annual sports tourism economic impact is projected at $4.4M+ in direct visitor spending once operational
Project Overview
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | The Forge Community Iceplex |
| Location | Bend, Oregon |
| Facility Size | 70,000+ square feet |
| Ice Sheets | Two NHL-regulation sheets (200' x 85') |
| Legal Structure | 501(c)(3) nonprofit |
| Capital Model | 100% community-funded |
| Operations Start | Target: upon completion of capital campaign |
| Website | theforgeice.com |
SECTION I: THE PROBLEM — UNMET DEMAND IN CENTRAL OREGON
The Current State of Ice Access in Bend
Ice sports participation in Central Oregon is constrained entirely by facility limitations, not lack of demand. The existing infrastructure cannot accommodate the region’s hockey and skating community on any year-round basis. The consequences are visible and well-documented among local athletes and families.
Documented Gaps
- No year-round dedicated ice rink exists in Central Oregon
- The Pavilion (Bend Park & Rec) operates one covered-outdoor sheet, November through April only
- The Redmond portable outdoor rink closed permanently following mechanical failure in 2024–25
- Youth hockey programs routinely reach capacity before the season begins
- Adult leagues operate with waitlists
- Families report driving three or more hours for quality ice time and tournament participation
- The Bend Ice Figure Skating Club has no permanent home rink — currently using a seasonal outdoor facility
This is not a case of projected future demand. These conditions are current, documented, and actively limiting participation. The Forge does not create a new market — it serves one that already exists.
The Redmond Closure — A Regional Signal
The permanent closure of the Redmond Ice Skating Rink due to mechanical failure is a significant data point. The City of Redmond has since stated publicly that it is exploring a new year-round facility to replace it. This signals regional municipal recognition that year-round ice access is a community need — and that the existing seasonal model is failing to meet it. The Forge is positioned to serve not just Bend, but the broader Central Oregon region that has lost ice access.
SECTION II: THE FORGE — FACILITY CONCEPT
Facility Overview
The Forge is designed as a year-round multi-use athletic and community facility anchored by two NHL-regulation ice sheets. The building integrates ice programming with off-ice training, food and beverage, community gathering space, and event hosting capabilities. It is designed to function as a destination — not a drop-off.
| Component | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Sheet 1 (Main) | 200' x 85' NHL-regulation, year-round refrigeration, spectator seating | Primary programming, competitive events, public skating |
| Ice Sheet 2 (Secondary) | 200' x 85' NHL-regulation, year-round refrigeration | Simultaneous programming, tournament games, overflow |
| Athletic Lodge | Fireplace lounge, WiFi workspace, viewing areas, community seating | Parent gathering, community hub, event space |
| Restaurant & Bar (The Forge Pub) | Full-service food and beverage, views of both sheets, bar seating | Revenue diversification, visitor retention, community gathering |
| Gym & Training Facility | Strength & conditioning, mobility, off-ice skill development | Year-round athlete development, incremental revenue |
| Pro Shop | Skate sharpening, equipment, fittings, consumables | Athlete services, recurring revenue |
| Event Spaces | Tournament rooms, officials areas, private rental capability | Tournament hosting, corporate events, community events |
Ice Sheet Specifications
- Two full NHL-regulation sheets: 200 feet x 85 feet each
- Year-round mechanical refrigeration — no seasonal shutdowns
- Professional-grade ice quality
- Spectator seating on both sheets
- Tournament-ready configuration — multiple simultaneous games
- Dedicated locker rooms, team benches, penalty boxes, scoreboards, and PA systems
Two Sheets: Why It Matters
The transition from one sheet to two is not linear — it is transformational. One sheet creates a scheduling conflict between every program that wants ice. Two sheets eliminate that conflict. Tournaments require simultaneous games on multiple surfaces. Youth programs can run while public skating is available. Adult leagues can operate without pushing out early-morning youth practice times. Two sheets are the minimum threshold for a facility that serves the full community and can host regional events.
Industry benchmarking of the top-performing ice facilities in the country shows an average of 3.3 sheets for the top 10 facilities and 2.1 for the average facility. Two sheets positions The Forge firmly in the category of viable regional tournament host and comprehensive community ice center.
SECTION III: OPERATIONAL MODEL & PROGRAMMING
Programming Mix
The Forge’s programming model is deliberately diversified to serve every segment of the ice sports community — from a child’s first learn-to-skate session to competitive adult leagues and figure skating development. Diversification serves both the community and the financial model: no single program category carries the full operational load.
| Program Category | Description | Primary Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Public Skating | Open sessions for all ages and skill levels | Families, general public, tourists |
| Learn to Skate | Structured beginner progression for youth and adults | Children ages 3–12, adult beginners |
| Youth Hockey Leagues | Organized league play for ages 6 through 18 | Youth hockey players, families |
| Adult Hockey Leagues | Recreational and competitive adult leagues | Adult players on current waitlists |
| Competitive Figure Skating | Training and competition programs for club-level skaters | Bend Ice Figure Skating Club, developing skaters |
| Curling | Programming during non-peak ice hours | Adults, corporate events, recreation |
| Tournament Hosting | Regional and national competitive events | Visiting teams, families, officials |
| Off-Ice Training (Gym) | Strength, conditioning, and skill sessions | Athletes of all ice disciplines |
| Private Events & Rentals | Corporate, birthday, community events | Local businesses, families, organizations |
Revenue Model
The Forge is structured to generate revenue across six distinct categories. This diversification is intentional: single-revenue facilities — those dependent solely on ice rental — are the most vulnerable to closure. The Forge’s model is designed for long-term financial stability.
| Revenue Stream | Sources |
|---|---|
| Ice Programming | Public skating admission, learn-to-skate fees, league fees, private lessons |
| Tournament & Event Hosting | Event fees, facility rental, ancillary spending |
| Food & Beverage | Restaurant, bar, concessions (The Forge Pub) |
| Memberships | Annual and monthly passes for recurring users |
| Pro Shop | Skate sharpening, equipment, accessories |
| Off-Ice Training & Gym | Membership, drop-in, and program fees |
The Debt-Free Model
More than 80% of ice facilities in North America are over 20 years old. The leading causes of facility distress and closure are debt service obligations, deferred maintenance, and over-reliance on a single revenue source. The Forge was designed from the outset to avoid each of these failure points.
How The Forge Is Different
- 100% community-funded through donations, sponsorships, and grants — no construction debt
- No bank debt means no debt service payment eroding operations from day one
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit structure aligns organizational mission with community benefit
- Modern, energy-efficient construction minimizes ongoing maintenance costs
- Diversified revenue eliminates single-point-of-failure financial risk
This model is not simply aspirational — it reflects a deliberate analysis of why ice facilities fail. The Forge was built backward from those failure modes. The result is a facility conceived for generational service to the community.
SECTION IV: NATIONAL FACILITY BENCHMARKING
Tournament-Friendly vs. Anchor Facility Standards
The sports tourism industry defines two primary tiers of facility capability: Tournament Friendly (able to host state and regional events) and Anchor (able to host national-level events at a single location). The Forge is designed to operate as a Tournament Friendly facility with a pathway toward Anchor status.
| Facility Type | Anchor Standard | Tournament Friendly Standard | The Forge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Ice Sheets | 3+ sheets | 2 sheets | 2 sheets |
| Seating Capacity (Main) | 1,500+ | 500+ | Designed to standard |
| Locker Rooms | 12+ | 8+ | Dedicated per sheet |
| Auxiliary Meeting Rooms | 4+ | 2+ | Included |
| Permanent Wi-Fi | Required | Required | Yes |
| Permanent Concessions | Required | Required | Yes (full restaurant) |
| ADA Compliant | Required | Required | Yes |
| Ability to Book for Events | Required | Required | Yes |
National Best-in-Class Ice Facilities
The following facilities represent the national standard for multi-sheet ice complexes that successfully combine community programming with sports tourism event hosting. The Forge’s design and operational model draws from these benchmarks.
- Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena — Irvine, CA
- Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex — Rochester, NY
- Ice Line — West Chester, PA
- Community First Champion Center — Appleton, WI
- NYTEX Sport Centre — North Richland Hills, TX
- New England Sports Center — Marlborough, MA
- Ice Den — Scottsdale, AZ
The common thread across top-performing facilities: multiple sheets, diversified programming, modern amenities, and an intentional community gathering component. The Forge incorporates all four.
Comparable Market Analysis — Venue Gap
When Bend is compared to similarly sized metropolitan statistical areas, the absence of any major public assembly or multi-use venue becomes notable. Of 20 comparable markets analyzed, 85% have a multipurpose arena, 75% have a performing arts center, and 45% have a convention center. Bend currently has none of these. The Forge does not seek to fill all of these gaps — but it will be the first facility in Bend capable of hosting regional multi-day events across multiple simultaneous competitions.
SECTION V: ECONOMIC IMPACT PROJECTIONS
Sports Tourism Impact — Multi-Sheet Ice Rink
The following projections are based on a conservative 25% capture rate of available events within The Forge’s sports category and drive market. Projections reflect annualized activity at mature operational capacity.
| Impact Metric | Annual Projection |
|---|---|
| New tournaments (state, regional, national) | 9 events per year |
| Total tournament attendees | ~16,000 per year |
| Direct visitor spending | $4.4M+ per year |
| Hotel room nights generated | ~9,700 per year |
| Hotel occupancy tax revenue | ~$157,000 per year |
These projections are specific to sports tourism events — they do not include revenue from daily programming, memberships, food & beverage, gym access, or pro shop. The full economic contribution of the facility to the local economy is therefore substantially higher.
Bend as a Tournament Destination
Bend’s existing tourism infrastructure makes it a natural host for multi-day sporting events. Hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation are already in place to serve visiting families. Ice tournaments are multi-day events — teams and families stay, eat, and spend locally. A two-sheet facility capable of running simultaneous games unlocks this market entirely.
| Bend Tourism Asset | Relevance to The Forge |
|---|---|
| Established hotel inventory | Accommodates visiting teams and families during tournaments |
| Restaurants and breweries | Captures visitor spending beyond the facility |
| Outdoor recreation (Mt. Bachelor, trails, rivers) | Extends visitor stay; families add leisure days to tournament weekends |
| Redmond Municipal Airport | Regional air access for national-level events |
| US Route 97 / US Route 20 access | Easy road access from Portland, Salem, Eugene, and beyond |
SECTION VI: COMMUNITY BENEFIT & PARTNERSHIP
Who The Forge Serves
The Forge is not a private club or a commercial entertainment venue. It is a community asset, structured as a nonprofit, designed to be accessible to the full range of Central Oregon’s ice sports community — from beginner skaters to elite competitive athletes, from young children to senior adults.
| Community Segment | How The Forge Serves Them |
|---|---|
| Youth hockey players | Year-round practice and league ice — no more competing for seasonal slots |
| Youth figure skaters | Consistent training ice and competition preparation surface |
| Beginning skaters | Learn-to-Skate programs with professional instruction |
| Adult hockey players | Elimination of waitlists — multiple league tiers accommodated |
| Families | Public skating, spectator viewing, on-site restaurant — a destination, not a drop-off |
| Schools and youth organizations | Programming partnerships, field trips, team-building ice events |
| Visiting athletes and tourists | Tournament hosting brings outside dollars into Central Oregon's economy |
| General public | Community gathering space, events, and recreational skating |
Partnership Opportunities
The Forge will pursue strategic partnerships across the Bend and Central Oregon community to maximize reach, programming quality, and financial sustainability.
Visit Bend
Coordination with Visit Bend for event marketing, tournament promotion, and visitor services. The introduction of a tournament-capable ice rink will be a new category of sports tourism inventory for Central Oregon’s destination marketing.
Bend Parks and Recreation District
Program coordination and potential scheduling integration with the Bend Parks and Recreation District, which currently operates The Pavilion. A complementary relationship — not a competitive one — between seasonal and year-round ice access serves the full community.
USA Hockey and United States Figure Skating
Sanctioning and event pipeline from national governing bodies. Oregon USA Hockey registrations have grown 11.6% over the last decade. The Forge positions itself as a sanctioned venue for USAH and USFS competitions, drawing regional and national events.
Local Schools and Youth Organizations
School programming, after-school access, and youth development partnerships with Bend-La Pine School District and Central Oregon youth organizations.
Bend Ice Figure Skating Club
The Bend Ice Figure Skating Club currently operates without a permanent home rink. The Forge provides a permanent base for the club’s training and competitive programs.
Local Businesses and Corporate Sponsors
Naming rights, sponsorship, and event partnerships with Central Oregon businesses. The Forge’s 501(c)(3) status makes contributions tax-deductible. Founding donors will be permanently recognized within the facility.
SECTION VII: RISK FACTORS & MITIGATIONS
| Risk Factor | Assessment | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Capital campaign shortfall | Moderate — fundraising timelines are variable | Phased construction approach; named giving levels; founding donor recognition program |
| Operating cost overrun | Managed — energy is primary variable | Modern energy-efficient refrigeration; fixed-price construction contracts |
| Labor cost (Central Oregon market) | Noted — Bend labor costs are above average | Operational staffing model built for current market; management efficiencies from dual-sheet operations |
| Competition from new facilities | Low near-term — no competitor announced in Bend | First-mover advantage; community ties; nonprofit pricing model |
| Seasonal rink competition | Low — The Pavilion serves different need | Year-round access is non-overlapping with seasonal offering |
| Tournament event capture rate | Conservative 25% capture used in projections | Active relationship-building with USAH, USFS, and regional event organizers |
| Debt-free model fundraising pace | Risk of delayed opening | Staged capital milestones; operations begin post-raise completion |
SECTION VIII: FEASIBILITY CONCLUSION
Finding: The Forge Is Feasible
The Forge Community Iceplex is feasible. The market analysis confirms demand. The operational model is structured for long-term sustainability. The facility design meets national benchmarks for community programming and sports tourism hosting. The capital model — debt-free, community-funded — directly addresses the primary failure mode of ice facilities nationwide.
The convergence of an underserved market, a growing and affluent population, an active existing ice sports community, and a modern operational model creates conditions rarely aligned this clearly. The Forge is not a speculative bet on a new sport in an untested market. It is a purpose-built solution for a community that has been waiting for it.
What the Data Shows
- Market: No year-round ice rink in Central Oregon — confirmed unserved demand
- Population: Bend growing at 7.8% to 2030 — well above state and national averages
- Income: Median household income of $105,080 — strong ability to pay for programming
- Spending: Recreation SPI of 123 in the City of Bend — strong willingness to spend
- Participation: Ice skating MPI of 108 in Bend — above-average baseline interest
- Competition: Zero year-round competitors within 110 miles
- Tourism: $4.4M+ projected annual direct visitor spending from tournaments
- Governance: 501(c)(3) nonprofit with debt-free capital model
The Forge Community Iceplex is ready to move from vision to reality. The community has shown up. The data supports it. The need is undeniable.
For more information, to become a founding donor, or to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities, visit theforgeice.com.