You’re driving down Grand Avenue on Neville Island, past the industrial skeletons of Pittsburgh's heavy-metal history, and suddenly there it is. A massive complex that feels like a city of its own. It’s the RMU Island Sports Center. Most people just call it the ISC. If you grew up in Western PA, you’ve probably spent a freezing Saturday morning here shivering in the bleachers with a lukewarm coffee in your hand.
It’s big.
Honestly, the sheer scale of the place is what hits you first. We are talking 32 acres of sports real estate sitting right in the middle of the Ohio River. It’s the kind of facility that makes you realize how seriously this region takes its athletics. It isn't just a college gym. While Robert Morris University owns it, the ISC serves as a hub for everyone from toddler "Learn to Skate" recruits to elite Division I athletes and even the occasional NHL pro looking for offseason ice.
The Ice Rinks are the Heartbeat
If you’re coming here, you’re likely here for the ice. The RMU Island Sports Center houses multiple sheets, including the 1,100-seat Clearview Arena. This is where the RMU Colonials—the university’s NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey teams—battle it out.
The atmosphere in Clearview during a Friday night game is something else. It’s loud. It’s tight. You’re close enough to the glass to hear the chirps and feel the impact of a heavy check. But it’s not just for the pros. The facility supports a massive youth hockey ecosystem. We're talking about the Arctic Foxes, the Pittsburgh Vengeance, and countless high school teams that call this place home.
The ice quality is generally regarded as some of the best in the state. Why? Because the maintenance staff is obsessive. You can tell. When you step onto the Olympic-sized rink—which is wider than a standard NHL sheet—you notice the glide. Figure skaters especially love that extra room. If you’ve ever tried to practice a double axel on a cramped community rink, you know the struggle. Here, there is space to breathe.
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It’s Not Just About Hockey
People forget about the rest. Seriously, the "Island" part of the name is literal, and the sports variety is just as wide.
Beyond the rinks, you’ve got the dome. The multi-sport dome is a massive, inflated structure that hosts indoor soccer, lacrosse, and softball. If you’ve ever played a "winter" soccer league in Pittsburgh, you know the smell of that turf and the weirdly muffled sound of a whistle inside a pressurized bubble. It’s a staple of the local sports diet.
Then there’s the outdoor stuff.
- Mini Golf: It’s actually a surprisingly difficult 18-hole course. It’s not just plastic windmills; it has water features and actual breaks in the "greens."
- Driving Range: They have a lit driving range that operates seasonally. It’s a go-to spot for golfers who need to work on their slice without driving thirty miles out to a private club.
- Track and Field: The outdoor stadium is a legitimate venue for regional meets.
The 2021 Scare and the Comeback
We have to talk about what almost happened. A few years ago, the future of the RMU Island Sports Center felt incredibly shaky. In 2021, Robert Morris University made the shocking announcement that they were cutting both the men's and women's NCAA hockey programs.
The community went into a tailspin.
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People were devastated. It wasn't just about the college teams; there was a fear that the entire facility might be sold or repurposed. But the Pittsburgh hockey community is a different breed. A massive fundraising effort—led by alumni, fans, and local business leaders—raised enough money to basically force the university's hand.
They brought the teams back.
Today, the energy feels different. There’s a sense of "we almost lost this," which makes every public skate and every home game feel a bit more significant. It’s a rare example of a community actually winning a fight against collegiate budget cuts.
Navigating the Logistics: A Realist’s Guide
If you’re heading down there for the first time, don’t trust your GPS to be perfect once you get on the island. The entrance can be a little bit "blink and you miss it" depending on which direction you're coming from on the 79.
Parking is a beast. On a weekend where there’s a youth hockey tournament and a public skate happening simultaneously? Good luck. You’ll end up parking way back by the mini-golf course and hiking in. Wear comfortable shoes.
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The pro shop is legit, though. It’s called the Hockey Plus Pro Shop. If you need a quick skate sharpen or you realized your kid outgrew their shin guards five minutes before warmups, they’ve got you covered. The staff there knows their gear. They aren't just retail workers; they’re usually hockey players themselves who can tell you exactly why your blade hollow is wrong for your skating style.
Training and Fitness Beyond the Game
Inside the complex, you’ll find the RMU Island Sports Center Strength & Conditioning area. This isn't your neighborhood Planet Fitness. It’s designed for athletic performance. You’ll see high school kids doing power cleans and college athletes working on explosive lateral movements.
The center also partners with UPMC Sports Medicine. This is a big deal. Having world-class physical therapy and sports medicine on-site means that if an athlete gets dinged up on the ice, they aren't just sent home with an ice pack. They have access to the same level of care that the Pittsburgh Penguins get.
Is it Worth the Trip?
If you’re a casual skater, the public sessions are great, but they get crowded. Check the schedule online before you leave the house. Nothing is worse than driving to Neville Island only to find out the ice is closed for a private rental or a college practice.
For the serious athlete, it’s a mecca. The sheer density of talent that passes through those doors every day is staggering. You might be standing in line for a Gatorade next to a future NHL draft pick. That’s just the vibe of the place.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Live Schedule: The ISC website has a "Today's Schedule" feature. Use it. It updates in real-time for ice cuts and cancellations.
- Dress in Layers: The rinks are cold, obviously, but the dome can get surprisingly humid and warm. If you’re a parent watching a game, bring a blanket. The metal bleachers in the secondary rinks will suck the heat right out of your soul.
- Explore the Island: After your session, don't just bolt for the bridge. There are some local spots on Neville Island—like the Neville Roller Drome if you want to swap blades for wheels—that make it a full day trip.
- Book Lessons Early: Whether it’s skating or golf, their pros fill up months in advance. If you're looking for private instruction, call the main office directly rather than just emailing.
- Join the Mailing List: If you live within 20 miles, get on their list for seasonal clinics. They often run specialized "power skating" camps that are worth every penny for developing players.
The RMU Island Sports Center isn't just a building; it's the physical manifestation of Pittsburgh’s obsession with being active, even when the weather is miserable. Whether you are there for a DI game or just to hit some golf balls into the netting, it remains the gold standard for multi-sport facilities in the Ohio Valley.