In recent weeks the Santa Barbara Roller Hockey Rink at the Earl Warren Showgrounds has been in the news more than in its entire 25 year history. It is likely many people are newly aware of the rink, and the sports offered there, which will be a benefit to our community.
The Showgrounds desire for organizations to compete to manage activity at Santa Barbara Roller Hockey’s rink created interesting challenges, the practical aspects of which remain to be addressed. The fact that the rink, including the foundation, surface, boards, lighting, and structures, are the property of Santa Barbara Roller Hockey - not Earl Warren Showgrounds - has been absent from the discussion .
The rink was funded, built, and operated by Santa Barbara Hockey Association, Inc. a 501c(4) community benefit organization in 1998/99 at the cost of $215,000, including a $10,000 security deposit, in concert with countless hours of volunteer time and material contributions.