The Los Angeles Kings and American Sports Entertainment Co. announced Friday the acquisition of the Pickwick Ice facility, a deal that will give the Burbank rink a new name and a $1 million renovation.
The purchase also includes a long-term partnership with Ron Stavert, CEO of Pickwick Gardens, and the Stavert family who have owned and operated the rink since 1961.
Pickwick Ice is home to the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club and the California Golden Bears youth hockey, and also hosts numerous other events. The campus includes a 24-lane bowling center, six conference and banquet rooms and a 2.5-acre garden.
"We are excited to acquire the Pickwick Ice facility business as we continue to invest in growing the game of hockey in Southern California," Kings President and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille said. "We are thrilled to partner with Ron to build upon Pickwick's strong youth and adult hockey tradition, including being home to the successful California Golden Bears youth hockey club."
As part of the changes, the facility will be renamed LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens, and the rink will temporarily shut down in June as part of a $1 million upgrade.
"The team at Pickwick Gardens is looking forward to our relationship with the Kings and ASEC," Stavert said. "They are venerable organizations who we trust to steward our ice facility and, more importantly, deliver world-class service to our customers. We will now be able to focus all of our energy and resources on continuing to invest in our other businesses to ensure that Pickwick Gardens continues to be a premier recreation destination for future generations."
