There was a kilt-wearing bagpiper, politicians and assorted city luminaries. There were young figure skaters. There were equally young hockey players.

All gathered inside the Benton H. Wilcoxon – Huntsville Ice Sports Center (ISC) on Leeman Ferry Road to celebrate a $44.6 million expansion that has begun, evidenced by the bulldozers and upturned dirt outside.

Ice activities have come a long way since Wilcoxon, a chemical engineer from California who missed winter sports after moving to the city, brought an abandoned small rink from Nashville and opened the Ice Palace with it in 1959.

“We may live in the deep south, but ice sports have been part of our community for more than 60 years,’’ Mayor Tommy Battle said. “From the old Ice Palace on Governors Drive to the opening of this facility in 1991, Huntsville families have laced up their skates and built lifetime memories on this ice.

“With this expansion, we’re taking the next step in this journey. We’re giving our residents even more ways to stay active, to compete, and to connect with one another. And we’re strengthening Huntsville’s ability to host premium events and these events will bring visitors to our city, creating a positive economic impact.’’

Departing from the normal groundbreaking, there was an “ice breaking’’ for this event. Ice blocks were set up inside the facility’s main rink, and pickaxes were traded for shovels for the photo op.

“Groundbreakings are usually dirt, but today we’re going to be chilling out instead,’’ Battle said. “It’s a fitting way to celebrate Huntsville’s investment in the future of ice sports.’’

The expansion will more than double the size of the facility, which currently has two sheets of ice, adding 118,822 square feet to the existing 83,934. A new arena will have seating for 1,254 spectators, and a second sheet will have five dedicated curling lanes.

“We’re a growing city with people arriving here from all over the country,’’ said Councilman Bill Kling, whose District 4 includes Leeman Ferry. “It’s important for them to be able to enjoy quality of life amenities such as the Ice Sports Center.’’

The expansion will provide:

Dedicated curling center
- Home to the Rocket City Curling Club
- Off-ice areas including a warm room
Arena with stadium seating
- More ice time for hockey and figure skating
- Expanded capacity for youth and adult programs
- New locker rooms and coaches/referee rooms
- More space for local and regional events
Dedicated flex space
- Gymnasium area for off-ice training and classes

Increased public skate sessions
- More opportunities for birthday parties
Expanded food & beverage options
- Park Pizza
- Grab & Go market
- Beer garden
Skateworld pro shop expansion
- Will double in size
- Relocated to the new arena lobby

Dita Dotson-Bowser, executive director of the ISC, said her team will continue its mission “to serve the community with excellence and elevate the quality of life while remaining self-sustaining, meaning 35 years of no operational funds provided by the city. That’s a huge accomplishment.’’

Grand opening for the expanded ISC is expected in early 2027.

“This expansion represents our commitment to a quality life and ensures that ice sports – hockey, figure skating, and now curling, will remain an integral part of Huntsville’s story for decades to come,’’ Battle said.

For those wondering, the bagpiper was in keeping with curling’s roots. The sport began in Scotland during the 16th century.