Geared for Growth: Tim Hortons Iceplex scores new naming rights partner; brings $20M in economic impact annually
Tim Hortons Iceplex recently rebranded and is bringing even more exciting changes to their facility in 2024 with the opening of a new golf center, restaurant, and more. Executive Director Chris Woodsworth was featured on Geared for Growth on Wednesday, January 17th as part of Greater Rochester Chamber’s ongoing partnership with 13WHAM/Fox Rochester. Woodsworth shared exciting information about what changes are coming to the iceplex in 2024 to expand their offerings, what feedback they get from customers and visitors, and the impressive impact the iceplex contributes to the Greater Rochester regional economy each year.
Tim Hortons Iceplex announced a new naming rights partnership with Tim Hortons in late 2023 and have
enjoyed working with the company to embrace the new name. “The name Tim Horton is synonymous with ice hockey, so it’s a natural fit with unbelievable synergies, and it’s something we’re really proud of,” Chris explained. In addition to their new name and brand, a new golf space called ScorZone Golf Center & Lounge recently opened in the facility, featuring three golf simulators, putting greens, golf instructors and more. And most recently, the organization just announced a new partnership with Chef’s Catering who will be opening their first brick-and-mortar location inside the iceplex, Chef’s Bar and Grill. The owners are working with Tim Hortons Iceplex staff and customers to develop a unique menu that’s elevated and atypical compared to other ice rinks.
Woodsworth explained that customer experience is very important to the organization. “Our customers are on site for two-and-a-half hours multiple times a week, so we really wanted to create a nice space with a lot of amenities that you wouldn’t see in a typical ice rink,” he shared. The new offerings coming this year come in addition to the physical therapy, personal training, and fitness center offerings that we’re already offered. “We’ve got way more than just ice in the building,” he joked. When asked what customers were most excited about, he shared that they’ve received great feedback on the new name, but customers are also excited about the food and beverage offerings, including the catering options that can feed entire teams and their families in the same facility as the game.
Tim Hortons Iceplex has a massive economic impact in the Greater Rochester region, welcoming over 1.4 million guests annually. Chris explained that they host 20 to 25 large-scale tournaments each year, welcoming ice hockey teams from all around the country to Greater Rochester. Each one brings teams that stay in hotels, eat three meals a day, spend money on gas, shopping, and entertainment, and otherwise contribute to the Greater Rochester economy. “It all adds up over the course of a year, and just our hockey tournaments alone have an economic impact around $20 million.”
For those interested in visiting the iceplex to explore its offerings or skate, visit TimHortonsIceplex.com for more information.
To hear more stories of how Greater Rochester Chamber members are growing and contributing to our regional economy, tune in to FOX Rochester every Wednesday morning at 8:45 AM to make sure you see all segments of Geared for Growth!