Significant upgrades to Veterans Memorial Skating Rink in West Hartford are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

Veterans Memorial Rink is nearly 60 years old and town officials have announced that significant upgrades will be made to the facility this year.

The Town of West Hartford’s public skating rink, which is located at 56 Buena Vista Road, had its last major renovation nearly 25 years ago. The facility is open year-round, and annually serves about 35,000 people for skating, watching hockey games, or attending other special events.

The rink will close on March 30, 2026 as the renovation project gets underway. The work is expected to take several months and the rink is expected to reopen on Aug. 1, 2026.

The project is a $4 million investment, financed through bonds as part of the Town of West Hartford’s Capital Improvement Program. Upgrades will include the installation of a new state-of-the-art refrigeration system with all new piping and concrete flooring, new dasher boards, and new glass and netting. Updates will also be made to the lobby flooring, locker rooms, and the perimeter areas.

Rendering of new ice at Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. Courtesy image

As the renovation project gets underway, updates will be posted on the rink’s Facebook page and Instagram (@vmsr1968).

Just before the renovation gets underway, Veterans Memorial Skating Rink will be the site of the New England InterClub Council (NEICC) 2026 Eastern Sectional High School Final.

The event will take place from March 27-29, and is an in-person, competitive opportunity open to skaters who are rostered on registered U.S. Figure Skating High School Skating Teams. The U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned competition will involve more than 165 skaters representing 24 high school teams from throughout the East Coast, including Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.

“Athletes will compete in the Short Program, Free Skate, Solo Dance, Showcase, and Team Maneuver events to earn points for their team. Team points from each event are totaled at the end of the competition to determine the final standings and named New England champions,” organizers said.

Courtesy image

Sessions will be Friday, March 27, from 3:30-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 29, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission – although donations are appreciated, organizers said.

Information about the event is available on the NEICC 2026 Eastern Sectional HS Final page.

“Thank you again for being part of the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink family,” Facility Manager Peter Montesano and Recreation Specialist Ean Gorlick said in advance of the closing for renovations. “We look forward to welcoming you back and continuing to serve our community for many years to come.”

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