Montclair State University Takes Ownership of Popular Campus Ice Arena

Montclair State University will assume ownership of Floyd Hall Arena, the popular ice arena located on the University’s campus in Little Falls, New Jersey, beginning April 1.

“The arena is a valued asset for the community and our faculty, staff and students,” said Karen L. Pennington, the University’s Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. “Because it is so popular, when Floyd Hall Enterprises proposed transferring ownership to us, this was an easy decision for the University to make.”

The facility, which now will be known as the “Montclair State University Ice Arena,” opened in 1998 and houses two NHL-sized rinks, as well as amenities for parties and camps. More than 750,000 people visit the arena each year for “learn to skate” programs, hockey and figure skating events, and open skating sessions. The arena is home to the University’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s ice hockey clubs. It is also used by the Montclair Hockey Club, one of the oldest hockey programs in New Jersey, by several area high schools and the North Jersey Figure Skating Club.

Also housed at the arena is Parabolic Performance & Rehabilitation, a sports training and physical therapy provider.

The University has selected Firland Management to operate the facility. The Lewiston, Maine-based firm has a proven record of providing skilled leadership to the ice rink industry for more than 22 years, delivering high-quality programs, customer service, and fiscal accountability to ice facilities throughout the United States.

“We will continue to offer a full array of programs and activities,” said Firland’s president, Jim Cain. “Floyd Hall Arena has earned a reputation as an outstanding venue. It is conveniently located and has many loyal customers. We are excited to serve them, and we plan to bring some new approaches that will enhance their experience at the arena.”

“In 1996, when we partnered with Montclair State University on Floyd Hall Arena and Yogi Berra Stadium, our primary goal was to create affordable, family entertainment in northern New Jersey,” said Floyd Hall, CEO of Floyd Hall Enterprises. “Over the last 22 years we have achieved our goal and so much more. We have taught thousands of people to skate and play hockey, provided jobs to many in Montclair State University and the surrounding communities, and created a safe, friendly and fun place for University students, and everyone in northern New Jersey to enjoy with their families. As Floyd Hall Arena moves to a new chapter, we wish Firland Management and Montclair State University the best. We want to thank all of the families who have skated with us over the years, especially our partners, the Montclair Hockey Club. We also wish to thank all of the high schools including Clifton, Passaic Valley/Cedar Grove and Fair Lawn, and the many hockey players, teams and ice skaters, who have called Floyd Hall Arena home. Each of you has become part of our family. We have been so fortunate to get to know many of you and we appreciate your loyalty and friendship.”