Albeth Ice Palace
The Albeth Ice Palace (Allentown - Bethlehem) was an outdoor ice rink in the city of the Allentown, Pennsylvania. The rink primarily served as a recreational and public skating rink, however, it was also home to both the Lehigh Mountain Hawks and Penguin Figure Skating Club for over 60 years.[1]
| Former names | Albeth Ice Rink |
|---|---|
| Location | Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| Owner | City of Allentown |
| Opened | 1939 (83–84 years ago) |
| Closed | 2004 (18–19 years ago) |
| Tenants | |
| Lehigh ice hockey 1939–2003 Penguin Figure Skating Club 1941–2004 | |
History
Shortly after opening in 1939, the ice hockey team from Lehigh University in nearby Bethlehem was granted permission to use the facility as a home venue. The team would use the rink as its home for the next 64 years.[2] Two years later, the Penguin Figure Skating Club was formed used the rink to showcase regional athletes.[3] The rink remained in active use for 65 years and served as a hub for ice skating activities in the area.
By the beginning of the 21st century, the rink was showing its age and a much more modern rink was built in Bethlehem in 2003.[4] The following year, with most events having been transferred to the Steel Ice Center, the Albeth Ice Palace held one final public skate in April before closing for good.
References
- "Progress claims another victim in Allentown". The Morning Call. April 6, 2004. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- "Epitome: Yearbook 1940". Lehigh University. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- "Penguin FSC History & Mission". Penguin Figure Skating Club. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
- "The Bethlehem Steel Ice Center offers entertainment for athletes and locals". Lehigh Valley Live. February 12, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2023.