If you’ve ever driven down Hwy 36 toward Boulder and seen that massive, glass-heavy building sitting near the AMC theater, you’ve seen the Ice Centre at the Promenade. Most people just call it the Westminster Promenade ice rink.
It's huge. Like, 143,000 square feet huge.
Most community rinks feel a bit like an afterthought tucked into a park district basement. This place is different. It’s one of the only triple-sheet facilities in North America. That means while a high-stakes competitive hockey game is bruising its way through the "Green" rink, you can be wobbling through a public skate session on the "Blue" or "Red" rinks.
Why the Ice Centre at the Promenade is actually a big deal
People often assume it’s just a winter thing. Honestly, it’s busier in the middle of July when the Colorado sun is melting the asphalt. It stays a crisp, refreshing temperature year-round.
The joint project between the City of Westminster and Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District created a behemoth. Because they have three NHL-regulation sheets, they can host massive tournaments without shutting down the public's ability to just go for a skate.
You’ve got options here that most rinks can’t touch:
- Public Skating: They run these sessions almost every day.
- Cheap Skate: This is the local secret. It’s a discounted admission time ($6 as of early 2026) that usually happens on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
- Bender’s Bar and Grill: This is arguably the best part for parents or non-skaters. It’s a 6,000-square-foot bar that literally overlooks the ice. You can grab a beer and a burger while watching the Westminster Predators or local adult leagues battle it out below.
The stuff nobody tells you about visiting
Parking can be a nightmare. There, I said it. Since it’s part of the wider Westminster Promenade, you’re competing with people going to the movies, the Westin hotel guests, and diners at the nearby restaurants. If you're going for a weekend public session, get there 20 minutes early.
Also, the "Cheap Skate" sessions? They get packed.
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If you’re a beginner, don't just show up and expect a quiet sheet of ice. It’s high energy. They do rent "skate aids"—those little PVC walkers—but they are first-come, first-served. If you have kids who can't stand on their own yet, those $5 rentals are worth their weight in gold.
Understanding the Rink Culture and Programs
The Ice Centre at the Promenade isn't just a place to skate in circles. It’s the hub for the Hyland Hills Hockey Association and the Rocky Mountain Figure Skating Club.
Hockey is the heartbeat
The adult leagues here are massive. We’re talking over 90 teams and 15 different divisions. Whether you’re a "Never-Ever" player who just learned to stop or a former college athlete still trying to relive the glory days, there’s a spot. They also have "Stick & Puck" sessions which are basically open gyms for hockey players. You need your own gear, but it’s the best way to practice your shot without a full-blown game.
Figure Skating and the "Freestyle" hustle
If you see skaters doing triple axels in the middle of a session, they’re likely on a "Freestyle" session. These are specifically for competitive figure skaters. They have a strict "traffic pattern" they follow to avoid collisions. Basically, don't wander onto a freestyle session if you’re just trying to learn to skate; you’ll be in the way of a very fast, very focused athlete.
Learning to skate (at any age)
They run 5-to-6-week sessions for their Learn to Skate program. It follows the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s only for kids. They have adult-specific classes too. Honestly, taking a class is way better than holding onto the wall for three hours and leaving with a sore back.
Pricing and Logistics for 2026
Prices have shifted slightly over the last couple of years, but it remains one of the more affordable family outings in the North Denver area.
- Regular Admission: $10.00
- Kids (4 and under): $2.00 (as long as an adult is paying)
- Skate Rental: $5.00
- Cheap Skate Sessions: $6.00
If you live in Westminster or the Hyland Hills district, make sure you get a discount card. It usually knocks a buck or two off admission, which adds up if you're bringing a whole family.
The pro shop on-site, managed by experts who actually know how to sharpen a blade for Colorado ice conditions, is surprisingly good. Most people don’t realize that different rinks have different ice "hardness" based on the temperature they keep the floor. The staff here generally keep the ice at a "medium" temp—not too soft for hockey, but not so brittle that figure skaters lose their edge.
The layout: Where to go when you walk in
When you enter, you’re in a large lobby. The "Blue" rink is usually straight ahead, while "Green" and "Red" are off to the sides. If you’re looking for Bender’s, head upstairs. The lower lobby has a concession stand too, which is great for those standard "rink snacks" like pretzels and hot cocoa.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
- Check the schedule online first. I can’t stress this enough. Because they have three rinks, the schedule changes hourly. A session that was there last Tuesday might be replaced by a tournament this Tuesday.
- Dress in layers. It’s an ice rink, obviously. But the lobby is warm and the ice-side bleachers are freezing.
- Rent a locker. They’re only 50 cents. Don’t leave your shoes or bags on the bleachers; things have been known to "wander off" during busy weekend sessions.
- Sharpen your skates. If you own your own, get them sharpened every 10–15 hours of ice time. The pro shop here can do it while you wait if they aren't slammed.
- Visit the surrounding area. Since you're at the Promenade, you can turn a skate session into a whole day. Walk over to the Butterfly Pavilion or catch a movie at the AMC right next door.
The Ice Centre at the Promenade is a Westminster landmark for a reason. It’s reliable, it’s massive, and it’s one of the few places where you can see Olympic-level training and a four-year-old's first steps on ice happening at the exact same time.
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Before you head out, verify the public skate times on the official Ice Centre website to ensure no last-minute tournament changes have bumped the session. If you’re planning a birthday party, remember they don't do "all-inclusive" packages right now, but you can rent a private room and bring your own cake after paying for public admission.