By Darlene Brace
The Northwest Arena, located in the heart of downtown Jamestown, boasts a variety of activities for the community. With two NHL-sized ice pads, it is the ideal destination for hockey enthusiasts, serving as the home for both the Jamestown Lakers Hockey Team and the Jamestown Community College Jayhawks and sometimes offers adult hockey leagues and tournaments. Additionally, the arena features a learn-to-skate program and is home to the Jamestown Skating Club, which is dedicated to sharing the joy of figure skating with individuals of all ages and skill levels. Local ice skaters will be featured at the Skate Chautauqua competition, scheduled to take place from May 8 to May 10, 2026.
The Northwest Arena also features public skating sessions, private parties, community events, and has unique attractions like ice bumper cars. Those interested in any of these activities should check the website for information on pricing and schedules (northwestarena.com).
munity events, and has unique attractions like ice bumper cars. Those inter-
ested in any of these activities should check the website for information on
pricing and schedules. Backyard curling has become very popular, and the
arena has leagues that operate during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The
next league session will be from March 9- April 13 on Monday nights, and you
must sign up by March 6 if wish to join. Additionally, private curling rentals are
available for parties, as well as instructional play sessions.
The walking track that is around the perimeter of the ice arena has become increasingly popular among visitors and is available for use year-round. The walking track is typically open weekdays from 9am to 6pm and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Backyard curling has become very popular, and the arena has leagues that operate during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The next league session will be from March 9th- April 13th on Monday nights, and you must sign up by March 6th if wish to join. Additionally, private curling rentals are available for parties, as well as instructional play sessions.
The arena is located at 319 W. 3rd Street and is just a block away from the National Comedy Center. It frequently hosts comedy shows from the Comedy Center, along with other performances, concerts, and various events. One upcoming event is the Think Spring Home and Garden Show, taking place on March 28th from 10am-4pm and March 29th from 12-4pm. This event will feature spring projects, including home improvements, decks, patios, hot tubs, pools, landscaping, and gardening, with local vendors setting up tables and booths inside the arena.
Additionally, the Northwest Arena is thrilled to announce that their cutting-edge play facility, The Zone, is projected to open later this year. After a couple of years of planning, this highly anticipated 6,200-square-foot indoor play space is nearing completion.
The Zone will feature an immersive and interactive play area combining sports, technology, and creativity to enhance active play sessions. It will include a free play area and a variety of age-appropriate activities for school-age children up to preteens. In addition, there will be a designated toddler area equipped with soft play equipment inside a safe enclosure, as well as ADA-accessible options for children of all abilities.
The facility will include various sports balls, nets, hoops, floor markings, skills tests, and much more. Technology will provide older children with a wide range of activities, including the ability to design their own jerseys, and engage in the tunnel experiences. Additionally, there will be a rock-climbing wall and a digital scavenger hunt to keep kids active and moving.
Each child will create a profile that logs them into their personal account, and they will receive an RFID wristband to wear that will log usage and performance data. The Zone, themed “Changing the State of Play,” promises a fantastic experience for local children and visitors alike. This high-quality indoor play space will be a unique addition to Jamestown. More details about activities at The Zone will likely be shared in a future article in The Villager closer to The Zone’s opening date.
The Northwest Arena is a gem in the heart of Jamestown, serving as the home for local hockey teams and the ice-skating club, as well as a venue for private and public events. The upcoming addition of The Zone will provide more options for youth in the area. For details on The Zone, upcoming events, lessons, tournaments, rentals, and more, call 716-484-2624 or visit northwesternaera.com and the arena’s Facebook page. Remember to keep an eye out for more information about The Zone in the upcoming months.