ARCO Delivers Award-Winning Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri

ARCO delivered the award-winning Centene Community Ice Center, a nationally recognized, multi-sheet ice facility located in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Encompassing approximately 300,000 square feet, the Ice Center was designed to support elite-level hockey while functioning as a flexible, year-round destination for tournaments, community programming, and live events.

Since opening, the facility has earned national recognition as one of the premier hockey venues in the United States, reflecting both the vision of the ownership group and ARCO’s ability to execute complex, high-performance recreational facilities that meet demanding technical and operational standards.

The Centene Community Ice Center features four NHL-size ice sheets designed in accordance with USHL and ACHA standards. The main arena includes an 85-foot by 200-foot rink with seating for approximately 3,500 spectators, supported by two additional indoor practice rinks with seating capacities of 500 and 300, respectively. A covered outdoor rink further expands programming opportunities and reinforces the facility’s versatility.

Constructed using clear span conventional steel framing and insulated tilt-up exterior panels with architectural accents, the building balances durability with a strong civic presence. A second-story concourse provides efficient access to arena seating, while the Hall of Honor entry lobby establishes a clear sense of arrival and intuitive wayfinding throughout the facility.

Delivering a multi-rink complex of this scale required careful coordination of structure, circulation, and operations. ARCO worked closely with the project team to align the layout of the four ice sheets with shared support spaces, including centralized mechanical areas, storage zones, and ice resurfacing operations. Shared ice dump pits and resurfacer areas were strategically positioned to streamline daily operations while minimizing disruption during high-traffic events.

The site and building design also support efficient crowd flow and event turnover, allowing the facility to accommodate large tournaments, public skating sessions, and non-ice events without compromising performance or safety.

Maintaining professional-grade ice quality across four NHL-size rinks required the integration of highly specialized mechanical systems. ARCO coordinated the installation of an ammonia-based refrigeration system paired with a desiccant dehumidification system to ensure consistent ice conditions, air quality, and humidity control throughout the facility.

Energy-efficient LED lighting was incorporated to enhance visibility for athletes and spectators while supporting long-term operational efficiency. These systems were designed and installed to perform reliably under heavy usage, contributing to the Ice Center’s reputation as a best-in-class hockey venue.

Throughout the project, ARCO focused on delivering long-term value through constructability-driven decisions and efficient system coordination. The use of clear span steel construction minimized interior columns, maximizing flexibility for ice layouts and future reconfiguration while reducing structural complexity. Shared mechanical and operational spaces further improved efficiency by reducing redundancy and simplifying maintenance.

By aligning system design with operational needs early in the process, ARCO helped ensure the facility would perform efficiently over its lifecycle, supporting both cost control and long-term durability for ownership and operators.

Constructing a facility of this size and complexity required disciplined planning and sequencing. ARCO’s design-build approach enabled early alignment between design intent, constructability, and scheduling, allowing the project team to manage large-volume interior spaces, specialized mechanical systems, and multiple concurrent work areas effectively.

This proactive planning supported consistent progress across the site and ensured that the project’s technical requirements were met without compromising quality. The result is a cohesive, high-performing facility that meets the demands of elite hockey operations and large-scale public use.

Beyond the ice surfaces, the Centene Community Ice Center includes a wide range of amenities that enhance both athlete and spectator experience. Multiple kitchen and concession areas support high-capacity events, while a pro shop and skate sharpening area serve daily hockey operations. Office spaces, conference rooms, party rooms, and a variety of team and general locker rooms accommodate diverse user groups.

The facility was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to transition seamlessly between hockey events, tournaments, and non-ice live events, further reinforcing its status as a nationally recognized, multi-use destination.

The Centene Community Ice Center has earned widespread recognition for its scale, functionality, and execution, placing it among the top hockey venues in the United States. This distinction reflects the success of the collaborative delivery approach and ARCO’s ability to translate complex requirements into an award-caliber facility.

Today, the Ice Center serves as a cornerstone of the region’s athletic and recreational infrastructure, supporting professional development programs, collegiate competition, grassroots hockey, and community engagement.