ImOn ARENA

ImOn ARENA. Opened originally and named after the MYSTIQUE CASINO, the ice skating rink proved a popular addition to the city. In 2021 the city took over the management of the area after the Dubuque Community Ice & Recreation Center Inc, a non-profit which had managed the facility, was disbanded. In 2022 the city completed major structural repairs caused by settling. This had cost $4.6 million and resulted in the arena being closed from June through November as work was conducted. The area was then renamed for IMON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

In 2023 the City of Dubuque began a $1.7 million investment to eventually have the building able to host more than just skating and hockey events. This had been possible years earlier with the FIVE FLAGS CENTER. Music events and popular entertainers had been guests with the addition of insulating mats laid on the ice and then chairs placed on the mats.

In 2023 the project was meant to replace the dehumidification and air conditioning system and generator. Since its opening in 2010, the arena's main hall was without an internal cooling system instead relying on the ice from the arena. The addition of the internal HVAC would allow dry floor events during warm months. Events like sports camps, tournaments and conventions would create more revenue. Currently the arena's operations required $245,000 to $374,000 in annual tax support.

The dehumidification system was also found to be too small for the arena and would not support a second ice sheet. This plan was a goal of the Schmitt Island Development Corporation which managed the arena with the DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION.

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Source:

Kruse, John, "Upgrades Likely to Broaden Ice Arena's Scope," Telegraph Herald, October 7, 2023, p. 1A

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