Memorial City Mall Ice Rink Faces Closure, Sparking Community Outcry

Families band together to try to save the popular skating facility before its scheduled shutdown on July 31.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A softly blurred, dreamlike scene of children and families ice skating, with warm pools of light and color creating a nostalgic, atmospheric mood.The impending closure of the beloved Memorial City Mall ice rink has sparked an outpouring of community support, as families band together to try and save this cherished local gathering place.Houston Today

Dozens of families in Houston have joined forces to try to save the ice rink at Memorial City Mall, which is set to permanently close on July 31. The rink's impending shutdown has created challenges for local hockey teams and recreational skaters, who are concerned about the limited alternative options in the area. A petition to save the rink has already garnered over 6,000 signatures as the community rallies to keep the popular facility open.

Why it matters

The Memorial City Mall ice rink has long been a hub for families, youth hockey teams, and recreational skaters in the Houston area. Its closure would leave a significant void, forcing many to travel much farther to access ice time and disrupting established sports programs and community activities.

The details

MetroNational, the company that manages Memorial City Mall, has confirmed that the ice rink will close for good on July 31. This decision has prompted an outcry from local families, who have organized a petition that has already garnered over 6,000 signatures. Hockey coach Will Rassman noted that the rink's central location made it convenient for many families, and its closure would create 'a logistical nightmare' as people scramble to find alternative facilities, some of which are located much farther away in suburbs like Willowbrook or Sugar Land.

  • The ice rink at Memorial City Mall is scheduled to close on July 31, 2026.
  • Families and community members held a rally on April 19, 2026 to raise awareness about the impending closure.

The players

MetroNational

The company that manages Memorial City Mall and has announced the ice rink's closure.

Will Rassman

A hockey coach who expressed concerns about the limited alternative options for families and teams if the Memorial City Mall rink shuts down.

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What they’re saying

“Memorial is so well located for families, especially if you're near downtown or the Loop instead of having to go up to Willowbrook or down to Sugar Land. It becomes a logistical nightmare, it really does.”

— Will Rassman, Hockey Coach

What’s next

The community is continuing to gather signatures on a petition in hopes of convincing MetroNational to reconsider the rink's closure. Families are also exploring alternative options for ice time and recreational skating in the Houston area.

The takeaway

The impending closure of the Memorial City Mall ice rink has sparked an outpouring of community support, highlighting the important role this facility plays in the lives of local families, youth sports teams, and recreational skaters. The loss of this centrally located rink would create significant logistical challenges, underscoring the need for accessible and affordable ice skating options in the Houston metropolitan area.