What It Takes to Maintain the Ice at Mohegan Sun Arena

When you settle into your seat at Mohegan Sun Arena to watch the WBS Penguins take the ice, you’re witnessing more than just elite hockey. Beneath the skates and slapshots lies a meticulously engineered surface — one that requires constant attention, precise science, and a dedicated crew working behind the scenes.

Creating and maintaining professional-quality ice isn’t as simple as flooding a floor and turning down the thermostat. It demands a sophisticated refrigeration system, careful environmental control, and regular resurfacing to keep the playing surface fast, safe, and smooth. From the sub-floor cooling pipes to the Zamboni’s hot-water application, every detail matters.

Let’s take a closer look at the complex process that keeps the ice at Mohegan Sun Arena in peak condition for every game.

The Foundation: A Sub-Floor Cooling System

The magic starts below the surface. Underneath the concrete slab at Mohegan Sun Arena runs a network of pipes that circulate a chilled liquid — typically a mixture of brine or glycol. This refrigeration system keeps the surface temperature between 16 and 20°F, cold enough to maintain a solid sheet of ice even when thousands of fans pack the arena.

This sub-floor cooling is the backbone of ice maintenance. Without it, the heat generated by the crowd, the lights, and even the friction of the game itself would quickly turn the rink into a slushy mess. The system runs continuously, adjusting as needed to account for changes in temperature and humidity throughout the event.

Building the Rink: Layers Make Perfection

Creating the ice isn’t a one-and-done process. The crew builds the rink in thin, frozen layers of water, carefully applied over time. The goal is to reach a total thickness of about 1 to 1.25 inches — the ideal depth for professional play.

Why layer it? Applying too much water at once would create air pockets, weak spots, and an uneven surface. By freezing each layer individually, the ice crew ensures a dense, uniform sheet that can withstand the intense pressure of gameplay. This meticulous approach is what separates a backyard rink from a professional arena.

The Zamboni Experience: Resurfacing Between Periods

Few sights are as beloved by hockey fans as the Zamboni gliding across the ice between periods. But this iconic machine does far more than provide a brief intermission spectacle — it’s essential to maintaining a playable surface.

During a game, the ice takes a beating. Skates carve grooves, pucks leave marks, and snow accumulates from sharp stops and turns. The Zamboni addresses all of this in one efficient pass. 

First, it shaves off the top damaged layer and collects the shavings in an internal tank. Then, it applies hot water — heated to approximately 140°F — to fill in the grooves and create a fresh, glass-like finish.

Why hot water? It melts slightly into the existing ice, bonding better than cold water and freezing into a smoother surface. The result is a rink that looks and feels brand new, ready for the next period of action.

Climate Control Challenges: Fighting Heat and Humidity

Maintaining ice at Mohegan Sun Arena isn’t just about keeping it cold — it’s about managing the entire environment. Humidity and crowd heat are two of the biggest challenges the ice crew faces, especially during sold-out games.

When humidity levels rise, moisture in the air can settle on the ice, creating a thin layer of condensation that makes the surface slower and softer. Similarly, the body heat from thousands of cheering fans can gradually warm the arena, putting extra strain on the refrigeration system.

To combat this, the arena’s climate control systems work in tandem with the sub-floor cooling. Dehumidifiers help manage moisture levels, while temperature adjustments keep the air cool enough to protect the ice without making the arena uncomfortable for fans. It’s a delicate balance, and one that requires constant monitoring throughout all three periods.

Versatility of the Arena: Protecting the Ice During Non-Hockey Events

Mohegan Sun Arena isn’t just home to the WBS Penguins — it also hosts concerts, shows, and other events. But here’s the surprising part: the ice doesn’t go anywhere.

Instead of melting and rebuilding the rink for every event, the crew covers the ice with insulated, heavy-duty floor panels. These panels protect the frozen surface and keep it intact underneath, even as thousands of concertgoers stand above it. Once the event is over, the panels are removed, and the ice is ready for hockey again.

This system saves time, energy, and resources, allowing the arena to remain versatile without compromising the quality of the playing surface. It’s a testament to the thoughtful engineering that goes into every aspect of ice maintenance at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Unsung Heroes Behind Every Game

The next time you watch the WBS Penguins glide across the ice at Mohegan Sun Arena, take a moment to appreciate the hidden infrastructure and tireless crew that make it all possible. From the sub-floor cooling system to the precise Zamboni resurfacing, every element works together to create a world-class playing surface.

Ice maintenance is a science, an art, and a labor of love. It’s what allows our players to perform at their best and gives fans an unforgettable experience every time they step into the arena.

Ready to see the ice in action? Get your tickets for the next WBS Penguins home game and witness the magic for yourself. We’ll see you at Mohegan Sun Arena!