Nelson Center facts for kids
The Franklin P. Nelson Recreation Center, often called the Nelson Center, is a cool place in Springfield, Illinois. It's a big building with two ice rinks where people can play ice hockey and go ice skating. It's a hub for ice sports in the community!
| Location | 1601 North 5th Street Springfield, IL 62702 |
|---|---|
| Public transit |  SMTD |
| Owner | Springfield Park District |
| Operator | Springfield Park District |
| Capacity | 2,100 (hockey) |
| Surface | 200' x 85'(hockey) |
| Tenants | |
| Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL) | |
Contents
What is the Nelson Center?
The Nelson Center is a special kind of sports building called an arena. It has two large ice rinks, just like the ones used in professional hockey games. These rinks are 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. This makes them perfect for exciting hockey matches and fun skating sessions. The center can hold up to 2,100 people for hockey games.
Home of the Jr. Blues
The Nelson Center is the home ice for the Springfield Jr. Blues. This team plays in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The NAHL is a league for young hockey players who are hoping to play professionally one day. It's exciting to watch them compete!
Who Uses the Rinks?
Many different groups use the ice at the Nelson Center. Besides the Jr. Blues, local high school hockey teams practice and play here. Figure skating clubs also use the rinks to practice their amazing spins and jumps. There are also leagues for youth and adults who just want to play hockey for fun. And, of course, anyone can come for public skating sessions!
A Look Back at Its History
The Nelson Center first opened its doors in the early 1970s. Back then, it only had one ice rink. It quickly became a popular spot for ice sports in Springfield. Later, in 2002, a second ice rink was added. This meant even more people could enjoy skating and hockey at the center.
A Rock Concert Venue
Did you know the Nelson Center wasn't just for ice sports? On May 30, 1976, a famous rock band called Rush played a concert there. This was part of their "2112" concert tour. It shows that the center has been a place for different kinds of entertainment over the years!
External Links
- Official Website of the Nelson Center: http://springfieldparks.org/facilities/ice/nelsonicerinks.aspx
- Springfield Jr. Blues Hockey Team
