If you’ve ever driven through the eastern edge of Fremont, Nebraska, you’ve probably seen the Sidner Ice Arena. To a stranger, it looks like just another metal building attached to the YMCA. But for the people here, it’s a weirdly vital pulse point for the community. It’s where Midland University kids play high-stakes D1 hockey, where "Learn to Skate" toddlers look like wobbling penguins, and where—just a couple of years ago—everything almost came to a grinding halt.
Honestly, the story of this place is a bit of a rollercoaster. Most people just think of it as "the rink," but it actually represents a massive community fight to keep local sports alive in a town that refused to let its ice melt.
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The 2 Million Dollar Saved-the-Day Moment
Basically, in late 2023, the Fremont Family YMCA dropped some heavy news. They’d been running the arena since it opened back in 2004, but they decided they couldn't do it anymore. The facility needed massive upgrades, and the Y wanted to focus on other things. For a minute there, it looked like Sidner Ice Arena was going to be a ghost town.
But then SETT LLC stepped in.
They took over the management, but there was a catch: they needed about $2 million to fix the place up. We're talking a total overhaul of the ice surface and the refrigeration systems. If you've ever been in a rink when the "chiller" goes out, you know it smells like a damp basement and feels like a swamp. The community actually pulled it off, raising funds to ensure the Fremont Flyers and the Midland University teams didn't lose their home.
The coolest part? This isn't just a local thing. Because the nearest rinks are 40 to 80 miles away in Omaha, Lincoln, or Sioux City, Sidner is a massive hub. It draws people from all over the Midwest.
What Actually Happens at Sidner Ice Arena?
If you’re heading there, don’t expect a quiet library vibe. This place stays loud. Between the "stick and puck" sessions and the competitive leagues, there’s almost always someone on the ice.
The Midland Connection
Midland University’s Men’s and Women’s hockey programs are the big draws. Seeing a D1 game in a smaller, intimate arena like Sidner is a totally different experience than watching a pro game. You’re right on top of the action. You can hear the skates carving the ice and the puck hitting the boards like a gunshot. It’s intense.
The Fremont Flyers
The youth hockey program—the Flyers—is basically the heart of the rink. They’ve got everything from the "Mites" (the tiny kids who can barely see over their own pads) to high school teams.
- Intro to Hockey: They run 8-week programs (usually starting in January) that are pretty affordable compared to big-city rinks.
- Travel Teams: These guys aren't just playing local teams; they’re traveling to Chicago, Colorado, and even Vegas.
- House Leagues: For kids who just want to play without the crazy travel schedule.
Public Skating and the "LOU"
You don’t have to be a hockey pro to show up. Sidner Ice Arena has regular public skating sessions. It’s $10 or $15 usually, and honestly, it’s the best way to burn off energy in a Nebraska winter.
They also have this space called "The Lou." It’s a lounge area that can hold about 65 people. People book it for cocktail parties or corporate events. It’s a bit of a "if you know, you know" spot in Fremont. You can even hire a bartender and get catering, which is a weirdly fancy touch for a hockey rink.
Throwing a Birthday Party
If you're a parent, you've probably considered a rink party. They do two types here:
- The Public Party: You get a table rink-side during a normal public skate. It's cheaper, but you're sharing the ice with everyone else.
- The Private Party: This is the "big spender" move. You get the ice all to yourself for an hour and a private room for two hours. It fits up to 30 guests.
The Nitty Gritty Details
The arena is located at 1558 E. Military Ave, Fremont, NE 68025.
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If you need to call them to check if the ice is open (because the online calendars can sometimes be a bit of a hunt), the number is 402-753-0200. Angie Wyle is the Arena Director, and she’s basically the gatekeeper of everything that happens on that ice.
One thing most people get wrong is thinking they can just show up any time. You can't. You have to check the schedule because of the Midland University practices and the various tournaments. They use a system called FinnlyConnect for their live scheduling, which is way more accurate than a static PDF.
Why This Rink is Different
Most small-town rinks are kind of depressing. They’re dark, freezing, and smell like old socks. Sidner has a different energy because of the recent renovations. The new management is pushing for it to be self-sufficient, meaning it doesn't rely on the Y's budget anymore.
They also host curling. Yeah, like the Olympic sport with the brooms and the sliding stones. It's surprisingly popular in Dodge County. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an athlete while essentially doing chores on ice, that’s your chance.
A Quick Word on Gear
The pro shop at Sidner is small but decent. If you need your skates sharpened, they can do it, but don't expect a massive retail store. It’s more of a "utility" shop for the regulars.
What to do next if you're heading to Sidner Ice Arena
- Check the Live Schedule: Before you pack the kids in the car, check the official arena calendar. Public skate times change weekly based on tournaments.
- Dress in Layers: This sounds obvious, but even the "heated" areas aren't exactly tropical. If you're sitting in the bleachers for a Midland game, bring a blanket.
- Sign up Early: For programs like "Intro to Hockey," spots fill up fast because it's the only game in town for miles.
- Bring Cash for Concessions: While they take cards for big stuff, the concession stand moves a lot faster if you have a few bucks for a hot chocolate or a pretzel.
This arena is more than just a place to freeze your toes off. It's a testament to Fremont's "not on our watch" attitude toward losing their community staples. Whether you’re there for a D1 slugfest or just to see if you can stay upright on skates for thirty minutes, it’s a spot worth visiting.