To help ensure a strong future for ice sports in the Fox Valley, Appleton Ice is launching a $4.1 million capital campaign to score a win for youth development, community wellness and economic development. That’s why we’re dropping the puck on fundraising that is essential to support repairs and renovations at two long-standing staples in youth sports—the Appleton Family Ice Center and Tri-County Ice Arena in Neenah. Your contribution can help us skate into action.

Help us spread the word by sharing this letter of support from our campaign Chairman, Tommy Wroblewski. 

Studies show that strong minds, bodies and families are built on the ice. That’s why Appleton Ice, Inc. is doing everything we can to keep providing places where kids can skate into healthy futures. With the support of generous donors, we can drop the puck on essential facility repairs to help youth thrive. That’s community wellness, for the win!

Did you know?

75% of US families with school-aged children have at least one child participating in organized sports.1

Upgrading ice facilities is about more than new floors. It’s about funding a foundation for youth development. From teamwork and leadership skills fostered in the rink to lifelong family connections made off the ice, studies show youth sports set students up for greater academic and life success. Now that’s an investment we’re eager to make.

Supporting Success

Students who participate in youth sports have greater confidence and self-esteem, and often engage in stronger peer relationships and family attachments.2

The Fox Valley is a great place to play. We want to keep it that way—without facility hurdles or operating expenses getting in the way of meeting 2,000+ user group members’ needs. While research shows ice hockey is the most expensive youth sport, tournaments and events draw thousands of visitors to the Fox Valley region each year. 

A local analysis estimates ice sports contribute $2,194,400 in direct visitor spending to area businesses in 2024. 

High school students in sports are less likely to drop out, have higher GPAs and tend to earn significantly higher incomes after school than those who did not play sports.3

To help keep ice sports alive in the Fox Valley for future generations, it’s time to start the clock on essential upgrades to these 50+ year-old facilities.

Appleton Family Ice Center Upgrades

• Ice Rink/Floor Replacement

• Dehumidification System Replacement

• Roof Replacement

• 5% Contingency

Tri-County Ice Arena Upgrades

• Ice Rink/Floor Replacements (2)

• Insulation Upgrades

• Boiler Replacement

• 5% Contingency

Here is a closer look a the project budget and scope of work. 

Phase 1
$4.1 Capital Campaign

Phase 2
Appleton Ice Floor and Facility Repairs (Target: June 2025)

Phase 3
Tri-County Ice Arena Floor and Facility Repairs (Target: June 2026)

Strengthen the Future of Ice Sports in the Fox Valley

By securing $4.1 million in funding, Appleton Ice can make crucial facility improvements at both facilities in 2025 and 2026.

With your generous support, we can raise the needed funds for improvements without having to pass expenses on to families, who may already face cost barriers for ice sports participation. You can help, by making your contribution today!

Gifts to the Appleton Ice Capital Campaign at the following levels are eligible for naming opportunities. 

$500,000 - Name the Appleton Family Ice Center  

In recognition of a gift at this level, Appleton Ice seeks to provide naming rights to the facility currently known as the Appleton Family Ice Center located in Appleton, Wisc. 

$500,000 - Name the Tri-County Ice Arena  - CLAIMED

In recognition of a gift at this level, Appleton Ice seeks to provide naming rights to the facility currently known as the Tri-County Ice Arena located in Neenah, Wisc. 

$300,000 - Name the Ice Rink at the Appleton Family Ice Center  

In recognition of a gift at this level, Appleton Ice seeks to provide naming rights to the ice rink inside the Appleton Family Ice Center. Name the Large Ice Rink at the Tri-County Ice Arena $300,000 In recognition of a gift at this level, Appleton Ice seeks to provide naming rights to the large ice rink inside the Tri-County Ice Arena (Neenah, Wisc.). 

 $200,000 - Name the Small Ice Rink at the Tri-Country Ice Arena 

In recognition of a gift at this level, Appleton Ice seeks to provide naming rights to the small ice rink inside the Tri-County Ice Arena (Neenah, Wisc.). 

Additional Giving Levels 

In recognition of gifts at the levels below, large signs (size correlated with giving level) will be printed and displayed in prime viewing areas at each facility. 

Gold Sponsor: $100,000 

Silver Sponsor: $50,000 

Bronze Sponsor: $25,000 

In recognition of gifts at the levels below, your name will be added to a plaque displayed in the lobby at both facilities. 

Champion Sponsor: $10,000 

Ambassador Sponsor: $5,000 

Advocate Sponsor: $2,500 

Friend Sponsor: $1,000

You can also pledge a donation by completing and submitting the Pledge Form.

If you would like more information or would like to speak with someone regarding this campaign please reach out to our Campaign Chair. 

1 Merkel, Donna L. “Youth Sport: Positive and Negative Impact on Young Athletes.” Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 May 2013, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3871410. 

2 Miriam, Linver R, et al. “Patterns of Adolescents’ Participation in Organized Activities: Are Sports Best When Combined with Other Activities?” PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19271824/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024. 

3“The Benefits of Sports.” At Your Own Risk, www.atyourownrisk.org/benefits-of-sports. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.