So you want to skate?
Come visit us at the Sub-Zero Ice Center. Open hockey, freestyle figure, and public skate are all offered.
Both instructional lessons and informal drop-in opportunities are available in this state of the art space.
SUB-ZERO ICE CENTER
1976 Observatory Dr
Madison WI, 53706
(608) 262 - 8244
ICE SCHEDULES
Public Skate is open for recreational, beginner, and advanced skaters to enjoy time on the ice.
Instruction by skating professionals during Rec Skate is prohibited. Our staff has the authority to stop any activity that may create safety or maintenance concerns. Skating direction is at the discretion of the staff on duty.
The Sub Zero Ice Center will be closed February 16 – 18 to host the USFSA Figure Skating Competition.
There will be no public skate offered: Friday, January 12 and January 19 due to club hockey games.
Freestyle Figure Skating is a chance for figure skaters to work on their skills in an environment dedicated solely to figure skating. Skaters are required to repair divots created from jumps, slush will be provided for this purpose.
The Sub Zero Ice Center will be closed February 16 – 18 to host the USFSA Figure Skating Competition.
Stick and puck is a chance for players ages 18 and up to practice skills in a non-competitive setting. A helmet and gloves are required. Helmets can be rented from the front desk for $2. Goalies are welcome but competitive games are not allowed during stick and puck. Proof of age is required.
The Sub Zero Ice Center will be closed February 16 – 18 to host the USFSA Figure Skating Competition.
Open Hockey is a chance for players ages 18 and up to compete in pick-up hockey games. A helmet with a face cage and hockey gloves are required, and full hockey gear is recommended. Helmets can be rented from the front desk for $2. The first two goalies to arrive for each session will be admitted at no charge. Proof of age is required. 30 player maximum attendance. First come first served.
Sunday night 18 & Older Open Hockey will end at 8pm due to Winter Break building hours on January 7, 14, & 21.
The Sub Zero Ice Center will be closed February 16 – 18 to host the USFSA Figure Skating Competition.
HOURS OF OPERATION
August 28 – January 21
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 6:30am - 11:30pm |
| Friday | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| Saturday | 7am - 9:30pm* |
| Sunday | 7am - 11:30pm* |
*7am start time is from November 4 – March 3 (otherwise ice time is 8:30am)
November 24 – November 28
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| Thursday | CLOSED |
| Friday | 10:30am - 5:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:30am - 5:30pm |
| Sunday | 10:30am - 11:30pm |
December 15 – December 21
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| Saturday | 7am - 9:30pm |
| Sunday | 7am - 9:30pm |
| Monday - Wednesday | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| Thursday | 6:30am - 6pm |
December 24 – January 7
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday, December 22 - Monday, December 25 | CLOSED |
| Tuesday, December 26 - Friday, December 29 | 8:30am - 7:30pm |
| Saturday, December 30 - Monday, January 1 | CLOSED |
| Tuesday, January 2 - Sunday, January 7 | 8:30am - 7:30pm |
January 8 – January 21
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 6:30am - 7:30pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | 7am - 7:30pm |
January 22 – May 12
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 6:30am - 11:30pm |
| Friday | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| Saturday | 7am - 9:30pm* |
| Sunday | 7am - 11:30pm* |
*7am start time is from November 4 – March 3 (otherwise first ice time is 8:30am)
Adjusted Hours
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| May 5 | 8:30am - 9:30pm |
| May 6 - May 9 | 6:30am - 9:30pm |
| May 10 | 6:30am - 7:30pm |
| May 11 - May 12 | CLOSED |
March 22 – March 31
| Day of the Week | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 6:30am - 7:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:30am - 7:30pm |
| Monday | 8:30am - 7:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 6pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | CLOSED |
| Day of the Week | Hours |
| November 8 | Closed 8am - 3:45pm |
Check back in April 2024 for summer hours.
FEES & RENTALS
A valid Rec Well membership or photo ID card is required.
| UW Student & Youth | $4 |
| Rec Well Member | $5 |
| Non-Rec Well Member | $6 |
A valid Rec Well membership or photo ID card is required. Skate rentals are available to all Sub-Zero Ice Arena users and can be purchased at the Sub-Zero Ice Arena Member Services Office.
| One-time rental | $3 |
Purchase a Skate Pass for unlimited access to our Open Rec Skate, Open Hockey, and Stick & Puck at the rink. Open Rec Skate is open to all ages. Participants must be at least 18 years of age for Open Hockey and Stick & Puck.
| Semester | Semester + Skate Rental* | Fall – Spring | Fall – Spring + Skate Rental* | |
| UW Student & Youth | $40 | $60 | $70 | $90 |
| Rec Well Member |
$50 | $70 | $90 | $110 |
| Non-Rec Well Member |
$60 | $80 | $110 | $120 |
Our fall & spring lockers are SOLD OUT. Summer 2024 lockers will go on sale Monday, May 20, 2024. Lockers must be purchased in person only in the Rink Services lobby.
| Small | Tall | |
| Fall + Spring (UW Students Only) September 5, 2023 – May 10, 2024 |
– | $80 |
| Summer (Available to anyone) May 20, 2024 – August 23, 2024 |
– | $40 |
Getting There
Parking:
- Lot 67 (located across the street from the Bakke): hourly parking rates
- Lot 36 (Observatory Drive ramp): hourly parking rates
- Bike stalls are available in front of the Bakke
- For more parking information, please contact UW Transportation
Bus:
- Convenient bus lines include the 11, 38, 44, 80, 82, and 84
BCycle:
- The nearest station is located outside of Bakke on the east side