Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we building a second rink?
The Rogers Youth Hockey Association has outgrown our single sheet of ice. RAC has not had enough prime-time ice available for several years. The Rogers youth hockey association purchased 600 hours of ice time at outside rinks and the girls program paid to skate with Anoka.
A second sheet of ice would bring the girls' programs home to Rogers and would give more prime time ice to the Rogers Youth Hockey Association. Time spent driving to multiple rinks around the metro will be substantially decreased and ice times will be more agreeable to the sleep routines of our young athletes.
Why do we need to raise money?
For the last 7 years RYHA has lobbied with city council members and taxpayers to build a second sheet of ice for the Rogers community. In 2017 the association got close to getting a new rink approved as part of the 2019 sales tax increase. This tax referendum was aimed at improving the recreational facilities in Rogers.
There were many items that the Rogers residents wanted to improve upon. Residents shared that the Rogers Activity Center was the most utilized facility in the city and voiced support for improvements. But in the end, connected trails, pedestrian crossing improvements, aquatics and a community center were identified as the top items to implement with this tax increase. Read the full report here.
Since other projects were a larger priority, funds from the city of Rogers to build another ice sheet were not 100% secured. The city did get approval to build a multi-sport turf facility, but ice was not included in the state legislative approved plan.
The turf facility project is a huge benefit to Rogers Hockey as we can save money by coordinating our rink addition with the cities’ project. This makes it possible for us to get another sheet of ice. But, we do need to raise a few dollars to get this completed.
Are we getting our own dryland facility?
Yes! We will be getting our own dryland facility. The new dryland will likely be located on the second level of the building where the ice sheet is located. RYHA is also able to use the turf facility for training, but a separate hockey dryland will be added that does not have turf or weights inside.
How much money do we need to raise?
RYHA needs to raise a total of $3 million before we can begin construction. We think this can be accomplished by February 2025. A total of $5 million needs to be raised by December of 2025. We plan to do this through grants, corporate sponsorships, major donor engagement and a broad-based community campaign.
Is it even possible to raise that much money?
Yes! RYHA worked with a company called Fox Advancement to conduct a formal feasibility study to test the goal of a proposed $13M capital campaign. The feasibility study serves as a risk management tool by collecting candid thoughts from the key stakeholders about the campaign goals. This information ultimately informs whether or not a campaign like ours will be successful. The feasibility study concluded that it is possible to raise this level of investment and even identified key donor contacts to get us started.
Why now? Why not just wait for more ice to magically appear?
We have been waiting many years for the ice fairy to bless us with a free sheet of ice (that we don’t have to work for). Although the ice fairy has blessed other communities with more ice, we must accept that we did everything we could, and this is where we are at. RYHA has been given a great opportunity to work with the city to build another ice rink in conjunction with the turf facility project. It might be the best option that will come our way in quite some time.
What is the city of Rogers doing to support our initiative?
Not only is the city of Rogers giving us their land to build a second sheet of ice on, they are also passing along their low interest rates on the loan for the ice rink and will be paying a portion of that loan over time. The city will be staffing and maintaining the facility, running concessions, maintaining the property, hiring staff / city workers and running all the ins and outs of an expanded rink.
Although RHYA will still be buying ice time from the city, the loan amount paid by RHYA will be reduced if ice profits exceed the operating costs of the rink. The city is also contributing significant capital annually for the facility based on the projected income. An ice plant will also be expedited by the city of Rogers as the current ice plant needs to be replaced.
What is RYHA doing to raise money for this initiative?
RYHA is organizing a team of skilled salespeople, marketers, and grant writers. The plan has been established and we won’t stop until we hit our goal. Our families deserve better than 6 a.m. ice times, one-hour drives (both ways in snowstorms) and community spaces that do not allow for proper player development.
What can I do to help this initiative?
There are so many things you can do to help! The more support we have the better. We need help making phone calls, filling out grant request forms, scheduling sales calls, following up with donation inquiries and more. If you are at all interested in spending a couple hours to help out, please let us know. Other things that you can do is talk about this initiative! You never know when your cousins, husbands, best friends’ wife could be looking to make a donation to fulfill a 501(c) (3) non-profit donation to pay less taxes.
Should I talk to my employer about donating?
Yes! The worst thing they can say is no. Donors will receive recognition on our website, their name on the donor recognition wall inside the new facility, logo placements, naming opportunities and more. Just ask your employer if they donate to non-profits and who would be the best person to contact. We can assist if needed. For more information about our donation packages visit here.
Should I donate to the new rink?
Yes! Every donation matters, and we even have a special gift for any RYHA member who donates to the cause. Your special donor collateral will help encourage Rogers businesses that this rink matters to you and your family. Help spread the word and increase local corporate donations with your support to this cause.
raise $5 million for a second sheet of ice.