You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you live in the South Coast. That low-slung building on Hathaway Boulevard. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, just another brick-and-metal staple of the neighborhood. But honestly, Hetland Ice Arena New Bedford is one of those places that holds the soul of a community together, especially when the January wind starts whipping off the Acushnet River.
It’s been around since 1974. That is a long time for a sheet of ice to stay frozen, literally and figuratively. Formally known as the Stephen Hetland Memorial Rink, it was named after a local kid who loved the game. That’s the first thing you notice when you walk in—it’s not a corporate "event center." It’s a hockey rink. It smells like cold air, rubber mats, and maybe a little bit of that specific "rink coffee" scent.
The Toxic History Nobody Mentions
There is a weird, somewhat unsettling piece of history here that most newcomers don't know. The land the arena sits on—along with New Bedford High School and the nearby fields—was actually a massive landfill back in the day. We’re talking about the Parker Street Waste Site. In the 70s, people didn't really think twice about building schools or rinks on old dumps.
It wasn't until around 2000 that the city realized the soil was loaded with PCBs and industrial ash. It turned into a $100 million cleanup project directed by the EPA. They’ve done a massive amount of remediation to make sure it’s safe now, but it’s a crazy reminder of how different things were when the rink first opened its doors.
Who Actually Uses the Ice?
If you're looking for the high-octane energy, you show up when the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs are playing. They’ve been calling this place home since the mid-70s. It’s Division III hockey, which basically means it’s fast, physical, and the fans are usually about three feet away from the glass. The arena holds about 1,500 people, and when it’s full, the noise is incredible.
But the heart of the building is the youth programs. The SouthCoast Panthers are the big name here. You’ll see parents in the lobby at 6:00 AM on a Sunday, clutching Dunkin’ cups like their lives depend on them, while their kids trudge in with gear bags bigger than they are.
It's not just for the next NHL star, though. FMC Ice Sports, who has managed the place since 1992, runs a whole "Learn to Skate" curriculum. They’ve got:
- Snowplow Sam for the tiny toddlers who are mostly just learning how to stand up.
- Basic Skills for the older kids and even brave adults.
- Adaptive Skating for people with physical or developmental disabilities, which is a really cool, inclusive part of their mission.
Public Skating and the "Old School" Vibe
Let's talk logistics. If you just want to go for a spin on the weekend, public skating is usually the way to go. For the 2025/2026 season, standard admission is sitting at $10. If you don't own skates, you can rent them for another $10.
Kinda pricey? Maybe. But compared to a movie or a dinner out, it's still one of the more affordable ways to kill a couple of hours in New Bedford.
The schedule changes constantly because they have to fit in high school games for Bishop Stang, New Bedford High, and Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. Pro tip: Always check the FMC digital calendar before you show up. There is nothing worse than hauling your gear to the rink only to find out there's a private high school practice happening.
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What the Snack Bar Situation is Really Like
This is where the expert nuance comes in. The snack bar is hit or miss. When it’s open, it’s great—hot dogs, nachos, the usual "rink food" that somehow tastes better in 40-degree weather. But it’s not always staffed during the smaller events.
Most regulars know the drill. You stop at the Dunkin' or the Honey Dew on the way in. If the snack bar is closed, there are vending machines in the lobby, but don't expect a five-star meal. You're there for the ice, not the cuisine.
Why It’s Still a Big Deal in 2026
In an era where everything is becoming a "digital experience," there is something stubbornly physical about Hetland Ice Arena New Bedford. You can't simulate the feeling of a cold blade catching an edge or the thud of a puck hitting the boards. It’s a place where kids learn how to fail (and fall) and get back up.
It’s also surprisingly loud. Between the classic rock blaring from the portable speakers during UMass games and the constant scraping of the Zamboni, it’s a sensory experience that hasn't changed much in fifty years.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you are planning to head down to Hathaway Boulevard, keep these things in mind to make it a better trip:
- Dress in layers. This isn't a modern, climate-controlled arena. It is cold. Even if you're just sitting in the bleachers, you'll want a blanket or a heavy coat.
- Check the "Resurfacing" gaps. The calendar often lists 10-minute "Resurfacing" blocks. If you show up right at the start of public skating, you get the "fresh" ice, which is 100x better than the chopped-up slush at the end of a session.
- Sharpen your skates elsewhere. They do offer sharpening on-site (usually $10–$15), but if the rink is busy, you might be waiting a while. Get them done a day in advance at a local pro shop if you can.
- Parking is free. There is a decent-sized lot right in front. It gets crowded during high school games, so if there's a rivalry match, arrive 20 minutes early.
Basically, Hetland is a New Bedford institution. It’s gritty, it’s cold, and it’s exactly what a community rink should be. Whether you’re watching the Corsairs fight for a MASCAC win or just trying not to fall on your face during a Saturday public session, it’s a piece of South Coast history that’s still very much alive.
To get started with your next visit, check the daily schedule on the FMC Ice Sports website to ensure public skating hasn't been bumped by a high school tournament. If you're looking to sign a child up for the "Learn to Skate" program, registration typically opens four weeks before the start of a new eight-week session.