I recently enjoyed sitting down with Jeanne Lundgren, Director of Sales and Marketing at Rink Side Sports, who won this month's Member Spotlight for the Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce. As Jeanne shared the many updates, changes and events at Rink Side she brought me down my own personal “memory lane” remembering when my kids were little and Rink Side first opened its doors in 1999. Gurnee was buzzing with excitement for this entertainment center to open in our town’s own backyard. Over the years, Rink Side has continuously updated itself with new activities and games that are fun for all ages.
Rink Side is probably best known for their NHL-size ice rink. Step inside and you will see so much more. Rink Side offers everyday family fun which includes hundreds of arcade games, Laser Tag and Glow Golf. These can be played on a walk- in basis or as part of a party package. For the young children’s Laser Tag parties, Jeanne shared with me how dinosaurs are hidden in the Laser Tag area for the kids to hunt for before their regular game begins. It is extra touches such as this that make Rink Side one of the most sought after places for parents to bring their kids in the area. A popular activity offered monthly for young children is Share a Story. Children will enjoy a special story time that is followed by a fun book themed activity. Whether it is cupcake decorating, a visit from a reptile from Serpent Safari or a visit from Santa, the kids and parents alike always have something to look forward to on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Rink Side holds thousands of parties each year for young kids as well as the young at heart. This includes Birthday Parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, holiday parties and corporate events. At this time of year the company holiday parties are a big hit. Although they are proud to host parties for such companies as “Uline” and “CDW”, they will work with your company to plan a fun holiday event that will let your employees know you care. Whether you are a small business of 4 or a large company of 100, they will help build a party that fits your needs and your budget. The newest party event now being offered at Rink Side is Broom Ball. I have had the pleasure of playing Broom Ball and can say first hand it is a blast! This is a game that is played on the ice in your street shoes - so no worries if you don’t know how to skate. Broom Ball is a game similar to soccer or hockey in which teams try to score more goals than their opposing team, however it is played on the ice with sticks (called brooms) and a ball. This is definitely a great idea for a holiday party or a team building event. Dinners at restaurants are nice, but parties at Rink Side will be memorable.
The Hockey and Ice-skating programs are synonymous with Rink Side. The Maulers, Rink Side’s home and travel hockey teams, Rink Side’s Extreme Synchro Teams, and their mascot Snowflake, have just exploded in popularity over the years. These teams are geared to both youth and adult age programs. Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey lessons are offered daily. Classes are geared for all ages and skill levels.. Rink Side is also home to WTHS Hockey Club. Ice Skating programs are offered throughout the year for all age groups and levels. During school breaks, Rink Side also offers special programs such as their winter break Snowflake Learn to Skate clinics and their summer skating camps. In addition, Rink Side has figure skaters who give reason for Rink Side to boast about their skating programs. Children who started 11 years ago, when Rink Side first opened, have now gone on to become nationally ranked skaters and some even touring with Disney on Ice throughout the world. However, for those who enjoy recreational skating, there is open skating 7-days a week throughout the year. In the summer, if it is 85 degrees or more in Gurnee, kids skate free!
Have a fund raiser? Rink Side embraces the community not only by offering quality events and programs but also through its fundraising efforts. Rink side offers fundraising throughout the year to school and church organizations as well as non-profits such as “American Cancer Society” and “Save a Pet”.
Rink Side has a host of upcoming events that you can check out on the website. This year Rink Side will be partnering with Gurnee Mills to host “Hockey” Santa every weekend. On December 15th from 4:30pm-7:30pm everyone is invited to Rink Side’s Ice Arena's Holiday Open House. This special event will feature a free ice show with top area skaters, a baked goods sale, public skating from 5:30 -7pm and of course Santa. If you wondering what to do with the kids for New Year's come to the annual New Year's Eve party which includes a dinner buffet, prizes, your choice of Laser Tag, Tornado Ride or Glow Golf , hats and noisemakers and a countdown and balloon drop at 9pm!
Rink Side Sports is located in Gurnee Mills Mall between entrances “H” and “J”. For more information on year round events, parties, and pricing please call Jeanne Lundgren at 847-856-1064 or visit www.rink-side.com. Follow Rink Side on Facebook to get updates, schedules and have the opportunity to win free tickets and prizes.
-Cheryl Furstoss (Member Spotlight, VGCC)
