Fort Smith’s arena is expected to open for the season on Wednesday afternoon after another fall marked by disruption.
Problems that recently emerged with its fire suppression system added to a succession of years in which failures at the arena have interrupted activities like hockey and skating.
Late last week, the town said the ice surface was being prepared after “a significant collaborative effort” to make repairs.
“The wait is over,” Fort Smith’s minor hockey association declared on Tuesday, reporting that the arena will open on Wednesday at 3:30pm.
“A big thank-you to the Town of Fort Smith for their quick work in getting everything back on track,” the association added.
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The arena has suffered multiple unexpected closures in recent years. For example, the ice plant failed repeatedly in 2022 and 2023, ruining at least half a season for town hockey players and skaters.
