A-Game Sportsplex

This is a legit «sportsplex» due to the variety of offerings of various sports (skating, basketball, hockey, fitness, laser-​tag, and more).
My review is based upon the «Open Skate».
It’s a cold snowy morn when we decide to check online when the rink is open for weekend warriors. «Hey, kids! The rink is open from 11:40am until 1:30am! Let’s go Ice Skating!» The response reflects an enthusiastic optimism that great times are ahead.
«Everybody» is there when we show up at 11:30am. The basketball types, hockey types, and weekenders ready to hit the open rink.
The most obvious line is long and happens to end at Skate Rental ($ 3). We all get in line. Chatting, chat, step, chat, step, chat, chat, step.
As we near the 7 minute mark, I see three guys behind the counter. One is hustling, two are not. I catch the eye of one of the two guys observing the hard worker. He raises his eyebrows as if to say, «Do you need something?» I offer sizes of skate boots needed. He asked me for a receipt showing payment for rental. Huh? Snap.
Well, I leave the slowest line of the ages because one employee works and two do not. I discover a counter that says «information» and ask to be directed to The Rental Skate Ticket Booth. She responds, «You found it!» Hot dog! I felt lucky! I cracked the code! I pay.
My little weekenders find their way to a bench. They’re awaiting delivery of skates.
I approached the familiar counter with one guy working and two observing. I said to one of the observers, I need sizes…” He asks for street shoes in order to make a trade. «Snap!l Again, I say, «Snap!» Another thing that I didn’t know.
Off I go to get stinky shoes.
By this time I’m not having so much fun.
Thank the good lawd of the holy ice ice baby gods! I learned the system.
For those who would like a reasonably decent user experience, let me explain how it works:
1. Arrive Early! It’s busy.
2. Walk through the middle doors of the sportsplex
3. Approach the Information Desk on the right side of the entrance hallway
4. Pay fees ($ 7 adults,$ 5 kids, plus rental)
5. Find the Skate Rental counter
6. Skip the line in front of the one guy working hard
7. Present your street shoes to one of the laid back observers
8. Lace up these well worn boots
9. Hit the rink
10. Have fun!
This is a really great concept (Sportsplex) for sports enthusiasts, I am glad that it’s here. However, the «guest experience» has been ignored. Is shouldn’t be this crazy to have fun. However, it didn’t stop me and 1000s of others from showing up and conquering the ice. It was so crowded that those of us who like group hugs had a great time. The real skaters among us had a bit of challenge of finding any open ice to bust move.

Love A-​Game! There are two ice rinks where you can ice skate. They also have camps and leagues in a variety of sports like hockey, basketball, volleyball, football and lacrosse. The Laser Chase arena is fun as well.

I’m a big fan of Southern Ice. I bet not many people think about going ice skating in July, but that is the best time to go. When it is 90 degrees outside, it’s great to spend a few hours skating around in a 60 degree rink.
Totally kid friendly. For the wee ones, they rent these blue things that look like walkers so you don’t have to break your back holding up your toddler the whole time. I’ll upload a picture so you can see what I mean.
I recommend getting there right when free skate starts, because that is when it is the emptiest.