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ABOUT US

How We Started

How We Started

Established in 1975, the San Diego Ice Arena has been an enduring presence in Mira Mesa and the broader San Diego area. However, by the late 1990s, the arena, then known as Ice House, had lost much of its former luster. In 2000, a transformative chapter began when Philip Linssen assumed the role of CEO and his brother Mark Linssen became COO.

Their initial focus was on revitalizing the facility and modernizing its technological infrastructure for future sustainability. Once the physical aspects were brought up to contemporary standards, the Linssen brothers turned their attention to enhancing the overall customer experience. They kicked off this endeavor by recruiting top talent to oversee the flagship programs - Figure Skating and Hockey - leading to the flourishing of these offerings under fresh and dynamic direction.

As the ice became a hub for athletes of all ages refining their skills, the Linssen brothers expanded the arena's offerings to include innovative programs like Ice Skating Birthday Parties, Ice Skating summer camps, and immensely popular public sessions featuring party lighting, on-ice games, and a DJ. The tradition of ongoing innovation at SDIA remains steadfast, ensuring that the San Diego Ice Arena continues to evolve and thrive.

Commitent To Communiy

Commitment to Community

At the San Diego Ice Arena, we consider ourselves integral partners in the local community, committed to fostering connections and creating positive impacts. Our mission revolves around community-centric actions and goals, extending our focus to both the immediate ice rink community and the broader San Diego community. We firmly believe that ice skating has the power to contribute significantly to community well-being.

 

For more than a decade, the San Diego Ice Arena has forged a meaningful partnership with Rady's Children's Hospital, exemplified by the creation and operation of a seasonal ice rink in Liberty Station. This initiative goes beyond profit, as all proceeds generated are dedicated to charitable causes. We take pride in offering our services at cost, ensuring that resources are allocated where they matter most—directly benefiting the community and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

Growth

Commitment to Sustainability

Aligned with our dedication to community well-being, we are equally committed to sustainability at the San Diego Ice Arena. Operating an ice rink involves substantial energy and resource consumption, particularly in sun-drenched San Diego. Recognizing these challenges, we've actively engaged in various initiatives to enhance our environmental stewardship.

 

One significant effort involves innovative water management practices, wherein we recycle and maintain water quality, resulting in a substantial reduction in the rink's water consumption. Additionally, we've implemented large solar panel arrays in the parking lot, serving a dual purpose of providing shade from the San Diego sun and generating electricity. This renewable energy is seamlessly integrated into our local power grid, minimizing our ecological footprint. These forward-thinking infrastructure enhancements not only contribute to climate mitigation but also ensure that the legacy of the San Diego Ice Arena remains sustainable for generations to come.

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