AusLeisure

The South Australian Government is to fund the repair of Adelaide Ice Arena's refrigeration unit which failed in March.

The venue, which has been closed since the failure of the refrigeration unit, will have the $880,000 repair bill met by the South Australian Government with no obligation to pay the money back.

Non-profit operator SA Ice Sports Federation's acting President Rod Nancarrow said the new equipment would be installed by the end of April.

Nancarrow told the ABC "the Treasurer has recognised the urgency of the situation, the fact that no ice sports are occurring, and they've agreed to fully fund this and of course the new equipment will enable us to keep operating for decades to come.

"The Government is supporting us to make sure the 100,000 South Australians who use the arena can get back on the ice."

The Arena's big rink is used by the Adelaide Adrenaline ice hockey team, as well as skaters and broomball players.

South Australian Education Minister Susan Close said the funding would also ensure a youth program could continue, adding "by challenging young people to learn the skilled and fast-paced sport of ice hockey and work together as a team, Ice Factor helps them to build confidence, persistence and discipline, as well as fresh motivation to stick at their schooling."

The Arena, formerly known as the Thebarton Ice Arena, has a smaller rink that has remained unaffected by the refrigeration problems.

Image: Historic ice action at the former Thebarton Ice Arena between the Payneham Flyers and Melbourne Chargers.

1st July 2015 - MAJOR UPGRADE SET TO COMMENCE AT AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER ICE SPORTS VENUE

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