Nelson Center facts for kids

The Franklin P. Nelson Recreation Center, often called the "Nelson Center," is a fun place in Springfield, Illinois. It's a big building with 2,100 seats, mainly used for ice sports. It has two large ice rinks, just like the ones used by professional hockey teams in the NHL.

Home to Hockey Teams

The Nelson Center is a busy spot for ice hockey. It is the home rink for the Springfield Jr. Blues. This team plays in a league called the North American Hockey League, which is for junior hockey players.

Another team that plays here is the Robert Morris–Springfield Eagles. This is a men's ice hockey team. They play in the ACHA Division III level. Their league is called the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association.

More Ice Activities

Besides these teams, many other groups use the Nelson Center. Several local high school ice hockey teams practice and play their games here. It's a great place for young athletes to develop their skills.

The center is also used by local figure skating clubs. Skaters of all ages can practice their jumps and spins on the ice. There are also youth and adult recreational ice hockey leagues. This means people of all ages can join a team and play for fun.

The Nelson Center also offers public skating times. This allows anyone to come and enjoy skating on the ice. It's a popular activity for families and friends.

History of the Nelson Center

The Nelson Center first opened its doors in the early 1970s. At that time, it had just one ice rink. It quickly became an important place for ice sports in Springfield.

Later, in 2002, the center added a second ice rink. This expansion allowed more teams and groups to use the facility. It also meant more public skating time for everyone to enjoy.