Wayne Gretzky teams up with Palm Beach Gardens to build elite youth ice facility and launch Gretzky Invitational
Wayne Gretzky is backing a new indoor ice facility set to break ground in Palm Beach Gardens this July (Getty Images)
Palm Beach Gardens is about to become a hotbed for youth hockey and ice sports—thanks to the backing of
NHL
legend Wayne Gretzky. A brand-new indoor ice facility is set to break ground this July at Plant Drive Park, bringing year-round skating opportunities to South Florida in a move that blends elite hockey pedigree with strong community engagement.
Gretzky Hockey School
and youth tournament to anchor facility programming
The project is a collaboration between the City of Palm Beach Gardens and the Palm Beach North Athletic Foundation, which successfully raised the funds to bring the vision to life. While Florida is known more for its beaches than its blue lines, the upcoming venue will give local athletes a chance to lace up their skates in a state-of-the-art environment—and do so under the influence of 'The Great One.'
The new facility won't just be another ice rink—it's set to become a premier destination for hockey development in the region.
Highlighting its launch will be the Gretzky Invitational, a youth hockey tournament expected to attract top young talent from across North America.
Alongside the tournament, the facility will also host training camps operated by the Gretzky Hockey School, a program known for developing youth players with a strong emphasis on skill, discipline, and love of the game.
By tying his name to the facility and lending his brand to its programming, Gretzky is continuing his lifelong mission to grow the sport beyond traditional hockey markets.
While hockey is front and center, the new complex is designed to serve a broad array of ice sports. It will also accommodate figure skating competitions and offer public access for recreational skating year-round. This gives Palm Beach Gardens residents a unique recreational resource that is rare in South Florida—and opens doors for kids who previously had limited access to the sport.
Also Read:
Who are Wayne Gretzky's kids and what do they do? A closer look at the legendary NHL star's family
Construction is scheduled to begin in early July, marking the start of what city officials hope will be a transformative project for youth sports in the region. Gretzky's involvement is more than symbolic—it's a game-changer for Florida's hockey future.
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