Delaware State Fair’s Centre Ice Rink to close in May

HARRINGTON, Del. – The Delaware State Fair’s Centre Ice Rink will close later this year.

We’re told the decision to close the rink was a difficult decision made as a result of years of financial concerns, including increasing repair costs and ongoing difficulty to keep up with maintenance needs that have become financially unsustainable. We’re told the extent of the issues came to light with several mechanical failures in late November, leading to overwhelming capital funds needed to bring the rink online for current and future operations.

Fair staff and the Board say they explored every option possible to keep the Centre Ice Rink as part of the community, but it was deemed unsustainable after learning that over $500,000 in urgent repairs and over $1 million for the next few years would be necessary to keep operations going.

“We know how difficult this decision is for our community members who have called the Centre Ice Rink home for the past 20 years,” said the General Manager of the Delaware State Fair, Danny Aguilar. “Because we care deeply for our athletes, coaches, and their families, it is important to us that we honor them during this transition and ensure they will receive ample time to find a new home before the next season begins in 8 months and we will be providing informational resources to assist in the transition. With new information coming online today a new option for families to consider would be the proposed Dover Civic Arena, a future home for ice skating programming.”

Officials say the ice rink will eventually be transformed into a multi-use event center, providing a year-round venue for things such as agricultural events, community gatherings, concerts, and youth programming.

The rink is scheduled for closure in May.