Dan Smythe (Col class of ’79) and Roger Voisinet, President and Co-President, respectively, of Virginia Ice Sports, Inc. presented their plans for the proposed North Fork Ice Arena at the UVA Women’s Ice Hockey 25th Anniversary celebration, held in Charlottesville March 21, 2026.
On April 2, 2026, Virginia Ice Sports, Inc. board members met with JLG Architects to discuss the floor plan for the arena. The arena plans include two or more suites which can be used as office space and meeting rooms; four large locker rooms for both UVA ice sports teams and visiting teams; smaller shareable rooms for outside groups such as youth hockey or adult recreational leagues; and changing rooms available for both male and female referees. We are developing plans to alter ice surface and dasher boards for USA Sled Hockey and similar programs.
The building plans prioritize energy efficiency, and we are making choices regarding lights, ice making and dehumidification equipment, and insulation with care. The arena will be oriented to allow for possible future solar panel installation, which would further decrease energy costs and further our mission of sustainability.
Though we do not envision having a full retail shop nor robust food services, we are planning to designate spaces outside that will be able to accommodate four food trucks during large spectator events.
We are currently discussing the possibilities of having an insulated floor as Main Street Arena had for non-ice events and of having a studio rink adjacent to the main arena.
Also on April 2, 2026, Virginia Ice Sports, Inc. concluded its second board meeting. During this meeting, the board approved a resolution to financially support the seasonal ice rink installation, which is estimated to cost around $150,000. The board also approved a resolution to create a Board of Advisors, which will include a board head and ten members, selected through invite. If you are interested in being on the advisory board, please email Roger Voisinet at roger@cvilleproperties.com.
On April 13, 2026, the University of Virginia Foundation released requests for proposals (RFP) to five marketing firms. Expected marketing proposals are due last week of April.
Finally, mark your calendars for UVA Reunions weekend! Join us for a Virginia Ice Sports, Inc. reception on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Newcomb Hall, room 389. During this reception, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with fellow alumni and community members while hearing directly from the board with the latest updates on the North Fork Ice Arena project. Everyone is invited to participate – not just alumni. Please spread the word in your respective ice sports networks!
