If you’ve ever spent time in the South Metro Denver area, you know the drill. It’s cold outside, but you’re heading somewhere even colder. You’re headed to the "South Suburban," though that name is a bit of a trick because there are technically two massive facilities under that umbrella. Most people are looking for the South Suburban Ice Arena on South Elati Street in Centennial. It’s a staple. It’s a bit of a local legend. It’s also where many of us have spent way too many 5:00 AM mornings shivering with a lukewarm coffee in hand while watching a kid learn to edge.
The place has history.
It isn't just a rink. It’s a community hub managed by the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD), and honestly, it’s one of the busiest sheets of ice in the state. Whether you’re there for the adult leagues, the figure skating, or just a chaotic public skate session on a Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere is unmistakable. It smells like Zamboni fumes and cold air. It’s great.
The Two Rinks Dilemma
First, let's clear up the confusion. A lot of people plug "South Suburban Ice" into their GPS and end up at the South Suburban Sports Complex on Holly Street. That’s the shiny new one. It’s massive. It has three sheets of ice. But the original South Suburban Ice Arena on Elati is the classic. It’s got two sheets of ice—the North and South rinks.
👉 See also: The Bosa Maga Hat Video: Why the NFL Star Took the Fine
Why does this matter? Because if you’re scheduled for a game at 8:00 PM and you show up at the wrong facility, you’re looking at a ten-minute drive across town through Centennial traffic. You’ll miss your warmup. Your teammates will be annoyed. Trust me, check your schedule twice.
The Elati Street location feels more intimate. It’s seasoned. The locker rooms have that specific "lived-in" hockey smell that you just can't scrub away. But for many local skaters, this is home. It’s where the Centennial 7k Skating Club thrives and where the Arapahoe Youth Hockey Association (AYHA) has built a legacy.
Skating for the Rest of Us: Public Sessions and Costs
Not everyone is trying to make the NHL or the Olympics. Most of us just want to glide around without falling on our faces. Public skating is where the South Suburban Ice Arena really serves the neighborhood.
The pricing is actually pretty fair, especially compared to some of the private rinks in the Denver metro area. If you’re a resident—meaning you live within the SSPRD boundaries—you get a discount. You’ll need your South Suburban ID card. If you're a non-resident, you pay a couple of bucks more.
- Adults (Ages 18-61): Around $7 to $9 depending on residency.
- Youth & Seniors: Slightly cheaper, usually $5 to $7.
- Skate Rentals: Usually about $3 to $4.
The skates they rent out are fine. They aren't professional-grade, obviously. If you have weak ankles, the brown rental boots might feel a bit like standing on toothpicks. But for an hour of fun, they do the job. Just wear thick socks. Seriously.
The Figure Skating Gold Mine
Here’s something most people don't realize: this arena is a major hub for competitive figure skating. It isn't just kids playing tag on the ice. We are talking about serious, high-level training. The Centennial 7k program is legit. They’ve had world-class coaches and skaters pass through these doors.
If you go during a freestyle session, the skill level is intimidating. You’ll see skaters landing double axels and triples while you’re just trying to figure out how to do a crossover. It’s impressive. It’s also why the ice quality here is generally kept to a high standard. Figure skaters are picky about their ice, and the maintenance crew at South Suburban knows it.
Youth and Adult Hockey: The Heartbeat of Elati
If figure skating is the soul of the rink, hockey is the engine. The Arapahoe Warriors (AYHA) run deep here. The lobby is often a sea of oversized gear bags and parents leaning against the glass.
For adults, the South Suburban Adult Hockey League (SSAHL) is one of the most organized in Colorado. They have tiers for everyone.
- Tier 1 & 2: These are the "pro" guys. Former college players, maybe a guy who played minor league. It’s fast. It’s physical.
- Tier 3 & 4: The "average Joe" level. Good competition, but everyone has to go to work the next morning.
- Novice/Instructional: For the brave souls who decided to pick up a stick at age 35.
One thing to know about the adult leagues: the games are often late. You might find yourself finishing a game at 11:45 PM on a Tuesday. Getting to sleep after that much adrenaline is a nightmare, but that’s the hockey life.
The Logistics: Food, Sharpening, and Gear
Let’s talk about the stuff that actually makes your visit better.
The Concessions: Don't expect a five-star meal. It’s rink food. Hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and those little canisters of hot cocoa. But honestly? On a Tuesday night in January, that hot cocoa feels like a gift from the heavens.
Pro Shop: There is a pro shop on-site (often run by external partners like Breakaway Hockey). This is crucial. If you lose a lace or need a quick edge sharpen before your game, they’ve got you. A standard sharpen will run you about $10 to $15.
The Temperature: This rink is cold. Some modern rinks have heated bleachers. This one? Not really. If you’re spectating, bring a blanket. Wear a parka. Even in July, you’ll want a hoodie. The "South Rink" at Elati often feels slightly colder than the "North Rink," though that might just be a local superstition.
Why This Rink Matters More Than the Fancy New Ones
We live in an era of "mega-complexes." The new South Suburban Sports Complex on Holly is incredible—it’s got a restaurant, better lighting, and more parking. But the Elati Street arena has character.
It’s where the history of South Denver ice sports was written. When you walk down the hallways and see the old photos and trophies, you realize how many thousands of people learned to skate here. There’s a grit to it. It’s the kind of place where you learn how to be tough.
Getting Involved: Lessons and More
If you're reading this because you're thinking about starting, just do it. South Suburban has a "Learn to Skate" program that is consistently rated as one of the best in the Rockies.
They follow the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. It’s structured.
- Snowplow Sam: For the tiny toddlers.
- Basic Skills: For kids and adults.
- Free Skate: For those moving into figure skating.
- Hockey Power Skating: For those who want to be faster on the puck.
The instructors are usually local skaters who have been on this ice for decades. They know the quirks of the rink. They know how to handle a kid who is terrified of the ice.
A Few Real-World Tips for Your Visit
- Parking can be a nightmare. Especially during a youth hockey tournament. If the main lot is full, you might have to hunt in the surrounding neighborhood, but pay attention to the signs. Don't get towed.
- Check the "Ice Schedule" online. SSPRD updates their calendar constantly. Do not trust a verbal "I think public skate is at 2." Check the website. They often have to move sessions for high school games or special events.
- The Colorado High School Games. If you get a chance to watch a local high school game (like Cherry Creek or Heritage) at this arena, go. The atmosphere is electric. The stands get packed, and the "old barn" feel of the arena makes the game feel much more intense.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re planning a trip to the South Suburban Ice Arena, don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Verify the Location: Double-check that your event is at 6580 S Elati St and not the Sports Complex on Holly.
- Get Your ID: If you live in the district, get your South Suburban ID card before you go to save money on every single visit.
- Check the Sharpening: If you own skates and haven't used them in a year, get them sharpened a day before you plan to skate. The pro shop can get backed up right before public sessions.
- Layer Up: Wear layers. You can always take a jacket off, but you can't put one on if you didn't bring it.
South Suburban Ice Arena is a classic Colorado landmark. It isn't fancy, but it is functional, community-driven, and arguably the most important sheet of ice in Centennial. Whether you're chasing a puck or just trying to stay upright, it's a place that welcomes everyone.