The Midland Civic Arena is your refuge from cabin fever

Sarah Spohn | Thursday, November 4, 2021

There are programs for youth and adults with varying ranges of ability. Photo courtesy of Midland Civic Arena

With the warm weather leaving us, it’s time to start thinking about how to avoid the winter blues and cabin fever. The Midland Civic Arena offers a variety of sports and activities indoors to keep the entire family active.

Kari Knake, civic arena manager, says the facility is open year-round, offering activities for both kids and adults alike.

“The Midland Civic Arena (MCA) was built in 2005,” she says. “Originally, it had three ice rinks, two NHL-sized rinks, and one Olympic-sized rink. In 2014, one of the NHL rinks was converted to a turf field. We also have a Pro Shop, concession area, and two conference rooms.”

The Midland Amateur Hockey League is hosting a “Try Hockey For Free” event on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.The community is invited to enjoy the ice skating rinks for public skating, private lessons or private rental. Skate rental is $3 per person.

“We offer programs for youth and adult hockey, figure skating, speed skating ... We are also home to Midland High, Dow High, and Northwood hockey,” says Knake.

The Midland Speed Skating Club also offers lessons for youth and adults.The adult hockey league includes 44 teams that participate across six divisions, including first-time players. The Midland Amateur Hockey League offers hockey and learn-to-skate for ages 3-18, according to Knake.

“The Midland Figure Skating Club has classes for youth and adults of ranging ages and abilities, and also has a learn-to-skate program,” she says. “The Midland Speed Skating Club also offers lessons for youth and adults as well.”

The arena also offers activities that don’t involve ice, something Knake says some people overlook.

“Since it wasn’t a part of the building originally, I think a lot of people don’t realize that we have a turf field,” she says. “On top of the flag football league that we offer, the turf field is utilized by the Midland Soccer Club, Midland Lacrosse Club, and multiple baseball and softball organizations.”

The Civic Arena also has a turf field.Despite being closed for about eight months during the start of the pandemic, Knake is grateful for the support Midland has shown.

“The financial impact has been considerable but we’re lucky to have such a great community supporting us,” she says.

If you’re interested in learning more about hockey, the Midland Amateur Hockey League is hosting a “Try Hockey For Free” event on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. You can register online at no cost.

Read more articles by Sarah Spohn.

Sarah Spohn is a Lansing native, but every day finds a new interesting person, place, or thing in towns all over Michigan, leaving her truly smitten with the mitten. She received her degrees in journalism and professional communications and provides coverage for various publications locally, regionally, and nationally — writing stories on small businesses, arts and culture, dining, community, and anything Michigan-made. You can find her in a record shop, a local concert, or eating one too many desserts at a bakery. If by chance, she’s not at any of those places, you can contact her at sarahspohn.news@gmail.com.