Closure of Lloyd Center ice rink reflects fading mall amenities in America
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
The ice rink at Lloyd Center in Portland, which opened in 1960, has been a significant community hub for nearly 60 years. Its closure underscores a broader trend of diminishing mall ice rinks across the United States. Initially an outdoor facility, the rink transitioned to an enclosed space that hosted countless families and events, including Christmas celebrations. The Lloyd Center rink held historical significance as the first ice-skating venue for Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding. Local community members and visitors are now reflecting on the loss of this cultural landmark and what it means for future recreational spaces.
- •Lloyd Center rink opened in 1960 as a unique mall attraction.
- •It served as a community hub for figure skating and holiday events.
- •Tonya Harding trained at this rink, adding historical significance.
- •The closure reflects a nationwide trend of disappearing mall ice rinks.
- •Community members express concerns over the loss of such recreational spaces.
- 9:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — The last lap at Lloyd Center: how America is losing its mall ice rinks
"The Portland rink where Tonya Harding first skated was an affordable community institution for six decades. Its closure echoes the disappearance of mall ice across the US When the Lloyd Center shopping mall first opened its doors in 1960, it boasted a unique feature: an ice rink. In the nearly seven decades since, that ice rink – first outdoor, then enclosed by a glass ceiling that sheltered mall-goers from the elements – became a cultural epicenter for Portlanders. Children accompanying parents on errands spotted peers gliding across the ice and begged for lessons. Shoppers, taking a break from the stores, watched idly from the three levels that looked out over the ice. At Christmas, a giant tree adorned the middle of the rink, making Lloyd Center an essential part of the holiday season. Continue reading...
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