Shuttered Ice Rink With World Record Nod Returns To Chicago Area

EAST DUNDEE, IL — A once-nationally recognized "polar dome" ice skating rink in East Dundee, which made the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest air-supported dome stadium of its time, is back and better than ever.

The iconic Polar Dome ice rink will reopen at Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park, 601 Dundee Avenue in East Dundee, on Friday, according to a news release from Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park.

The indoor rink has a fresh new look. And Santa's Village officials are hopeful the polar dome, which once housed the national Olympic speeding skating competition and served as a practice rink for the Chicago Blackhawks, will be restored to its former glory.

"We’re beyond excited to bring back the Polar Dome Ice Rink," said Jason Sierpien, president of Santa’s Village. "This rink holds a special place in the hearts of so many families who’ve visited over the years, and we’re proud to revive this tradition. We’re also thrilled to expand the experience with a variety of new activities, including recreational hockey, Learn to Skate USA programs, public skating, birthday parties, and more. There’s truly something for everyone this season."

Making a comeback alongside the rink is the Alpine Room, a bar and lounge area offering a full-service bar, kitchen and gaming options. Public skating, hockey tournaments and figure skating lessons are among the offerings at the new polar dome.

The grand opening of the newly renovated polar dome is Friday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. And open skate session will run from 7 to 9 p.m., Lindsay Kosanovich, spokeswoman for Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park.

An open skate will also be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday as well, Kosanovich said. Admission to skate is $12 per person and the cost to rent skates is $5.

More information on programs and public skating hours can be found on the polar dome's website.

HISTORY OF THE POLAR DOME

The Polar Dome first came to fruition in 1962 as part of a major development at Santa’s Village, according to Santa's Village officials. To make room for the 40,000-square-foot ice arena, part of the original park had to be moved.

The Polar Dome opened in February 1963 and quickly gained national attention. At the time, it was the largest air-supported dome stadium in the world, holding up to 4,000 people, according to the Guinness World Book of Records.

Over the years, the Polar Dome hosted a variety of events, including performances by the International Showtime Circus with Don Ameche, Mark Wilson’s Magic Land of Allakazam, and the National Olympic Speed Skating Competition, which was filmed for ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

The Chicago Blackhawks also practices at the facility and held exhibition games, along with countless ice-skating revues, hockey leagues, wrestling matches, concerts, and roller derby events.

In 1966, a storm damaged the dome, tearing its inflatable cover.

After repairs, a flat roof was added in 1967. The Polar Dome continued to operate seasonally, from September through April, until it closed in 2005, according to the Polar Dome website.

"The Polar Dome Ice Rink was closed alongside Santa's Village during the 2005-2006 season. When the park reopened under its current ownership in 2010, half of the original property was leased to a tenant, who used the dome for indoor activities," Kosanovich said. "When their lease for the dome expired this past fall, Santa's Village saw an opportunity to return a beloved attraction to the park."

From 2007 to 2010, the space was used by various short-term businesses, and in 2010, it became home to an indoor paintball and laser tag. In 2024, work began to revive the Polar Dome, with plans to open the ice rink opening to the public on January 17, 2025.

"The Polar Dome was an iconic part of Santa's Village and had a strong following from ice skating enthusiasts and the community. To preserve the nostalgia and tradition, the decision was made to bring it back as an ice rink. While the floor, bleachers, and several other key structural elements were still in the building, they needed major renovation," Kosanovich said.

Kosanovich said the polar dome has "undergone significant renovations compared to the original structure built in the 1960s."

"The name 'Polar Dome' comes from the original roof, made of plastic, nylon, and rubber, supported by air pressure, which formed a dome-like shape," she said. "This design remained until high winds damaged the roof during the 1966 season, leading to the decision to replace it with a flat roof, which remains in place today."