The Neutral Zone, a new indoor ice rink and entertainment venue, has opened at Riverside Park following a public-private partnership with the city.

The rink’s website promotes it as "Rexburg’s Indoor Ice Skating Rink — NOW OPEN" and invites visitors to "enjoy figure skating in our amazing indoor rink YEAR ROUND."

According to a 2024 lease agreement between R&R Group LLC, The Neutral Zone LLC and the City of Rexburg, developers were granted use of about 35,000 square feet of park property to build and operate the facility.

The 25-year agreement allows the operator to run the rink and concessions, with the full value of the facility and equipment donated back to the city by the end of the term, according to the City of Rexburg's 2024 Riverside Park Skating Rink Agreement.

The rink offers daily public skating, figure skating sessions on Saturdays and themed events such as speed dating, “Skate with the Grinch” and “Breakfast with Santa.” It also hosts youth hockey.

Owner statements emphasize the venue’s focus on community recreation. "The intent of the venue is really not about hockey games and hockey tournaments," said the owner. "This was built as an entertainment venue. The primary focus for me is public skating."

Amenities include a full kitchen serving burgers, fries, pizza, hot chocolate and soft-serve ice cream. Two small party rooms and a larger event space are available for rental.

The Neutral Zone can seat about 250 spectators and is equipped with a $100,000 sound system, disco ball and programmable LED lights.

"I wanted to build something my kids and grandkids could enjoy, and something that gives back to the community," the owner said. "With the sound system, the lights and the atmosphere, it’s an experience, not just a rink."