Miracle Ice Arena in Georgetown needs funding for completion
GEORGETOWN, Del. – Some movement to construct a new ice hockey arena in Georgetown. It’s called the Miracle Ice Arena, located north of the town on Route 113.
The project will be a foundation for one of the most electric sports in the world. The plot of land will be the site and will include 2 separate rinks. One for a minor league hockey team, and the other for recreational use.
Mayor Bill West said how things stand currently. “They are looking at needing $12 million, and that’s to do a match with another organization, and I think it’s a fantastic endeavor for the town of Georgetown.”
It’s all in the name of bringing ice sports back to Kent and Sussex Counties. The Miracle Ice Arena would help bridge the gap for enthusiasts who have had to travel to New Castle County or Easton to pursue the sport or recreation. The void left was from the Harrington Ice Rink, which has been a mainstay for several years.
Bringing the arena to Georgetown was pivotal, said Mayor West. “I know there are a lot of young adults right now that are going to Wilmington to skate, this way they can stay down here in Sussex County.”
Jeff Welch, a local parent, tells WMDT that traveling to Newark, Delaware for hockey 2 or 3 times a week is trying on the family.
Jerry Santoferrara is a figure skating coach and says the rink is great for youth. “It’s really important for kids, it gives them something that’s valuable.”
He adds that the sport teaches in a variety of ways. “It also helps them mentally. I’ve noted that a lot of my skaters over the years have gone to be very successful adults because of the discipline this sport teaches you.”
The Miracle Ice Arena movement already has support and commitments from key partners like Salisbury University, Delmarva Warriors, and the Havoc Ice Hockey team.
Mayor West, it is focusing on economic development.
“The teams need to stay somewhere, which takes care of hotels. They are going to need to eat, which takes care of our restaurants, and they are going to need groceries and gas, which takes care of those entities, so I’m big on economic development.”
