Tented Rink Options
Extend Your Outdoor Skating Season with Portable Refrigeration and Tent Coverage
An outdoor refrigerated rink is a powerful asset — but unpredictable weather, sun exposure, and mild temperatures can cut your season short if left unprotected. That’s why more rink owners are enhancing their setups with tent coverage, turning standard installations into reliable, all-weather skating venues.
A professionally engineered tent adds value far beyond aesthetics. It protects your ice, improves consistency, and extends the life and usability of your refrigerated system. Whether for residential use, a country club, or a municipal rink, combining a tent with an Iron Sleek system delivers measurable benefits and a more professional skating environment.
Real Story: Skating in Mid-60s in St. Louis
Nick L, a residential rink owner in St. Louis Missouri, had already installed an Iron Sleek refrigerated rink system in his backyard. But due to his location, the winter brought stretches of sun and temperatures in the mid-60s, keeping the rink open late into the season became a challenge.
In 2024, Nick added a tent structure over his rink — and it made all the difference.
The photo above shows a sunny 61°F March Day when Nick’s rink was still in operation — thanks to the protection of the tent.
“We were skating well into March, even when the temps hit the mid-60s,” Nick said. “That just wasn’t possible before.”
The tent blocked direct sunlight, minimized warm wind exposure, and helped the refrigeration system retain surface temperature. While most other outdoor rinks had already shut down, Nick's ice held strong — and the skating continued.
Watch the video of Nick’s tent-covered rink in action:
View on YouTube
Club Success: Chicago’s North Side Country Club
In 2024, a private country club on Chicago’s North Side debuted their first tent-covered refrigerated rink in partnership with Iron Sleek. The club wanted to deliver a high-end, reliable skating experience that would reflect the quality of their overall member programming — regardless of the weather.
From the start, the tent transformed their operation. It enhanced the space visually and functionally, creating a polished, consistent environment for members and guests.
The tent delivered immediate benefits:
Earlier and more flexible season start
Improved ice quality, even through mild temperatures and sun
Uninterrupted programming, including lessons, social events, and private skates
“It transformed the space and helped us open earlier than expected. We’re now planning to take it even further.”
Following a strong first season, Iron Sleek is now working with the club to expand their rink footprint and refine tent planning for future years — building on their success and reinforcing the value of a covered rink system.
“It transformed the space and helped us open earlier than expected. We’re now planning to take it even further.”
Following a strong first season, Iron Sleek is now working with the club to expand their rink footprint and refine tent planning for future years — building on their success and reinforcing the value of a covered rink system.
Tent Sizes Matched to Iron Sleek Rinks
Traube Tent, a tent company based in Columbia, Illinois, offers modular engineered structures that pair exceptionally well with Iron Sleek's standard refrigerated rink systems. Their frame-style tents are designed in metric increments and can be scaled to cover most common rink footprints with precision.
These structures are engineered for safety and performance in all climates and are ideal for both temporary and seasonal installations. Optional upgrades — such as solid sidewalls for wind protection and LED lighting for evening use — help transform your rink into a professional-grade, all-weather venue.
Installation services are handled separately.
For current availability, site requirements, and technical details, please contact Traube Tent directly.
info@traubetent.com
www.traubetent.com
(800) 352-8368
Mention Iron Sleek and receive a 10% discount on your tent rental.
Plan Your Covered Rink
We’re here to help you design a rink experience that’s built to perform in all kinds of weather — from layout and sizing to seasonal operation strategy. Let Iron Sleek assist with tent compatibility, site preparation, and connections to experienced installers.
Visit our Portable Refrigerated Rinks page to learn more or contact us today to discuss your covered rink setup.