Sioux Center, Iowa – Fans and skaters at Sioux Center’s Vernon Arena will notice something new on the ice this season—a sleek, black Zamboni.
The new machine replaces the original Zamboni that’s been in service since the arena opened 22 years ago. This upgraded model levels the ice with laser precision, hardens it faster, and provides a more consistent surface for skaters. It runs on a lithium-iron battery, which charges quickly and requires less maintenance than the old system. Safety upgrades, including built-in auger washers, also make the job easier for operators.
Sam Rens, who leads arena operations, says the Level-Ice system can smooth the surface down to 1/1000th of an inch, creating safer ice for players. The Zamboni is already preparing the arena’s 1.25 inches of ice for the upcoming hockey and skating season, debuting for fans at games this fall and open skating which has already begun.
The Sioux Center Youth Hockey Association covered about half the cost of the machine, with Dordt University and the city splitting the rest. And yes—Rens confirms—driving the Zamboni really is as cool as it looks.
Information Courtesy of Fellow Community First Broadcasting Station KSOU in Sioux Center
