George’s Pond (Hirsch Coliseum) is the home of Encompass Sports and Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey, amongst other things! Over the past few years, the building (built in 1952) has been undergoing some major renovations. So far, more than half of the $2.5million budget has been used and the community is reaping the benefits. Scott Muscutt, General Manager, is excited about encompassing the community year round and is proud to say he’s lived in this area now longer than he’s lived anywhere else, by choice. He was the first player to sign a contract with the Mudbugs back in 1997 and has been in love with Louisiana ever since.
In 2015, George’s Pond had 15 schools come through, 175 birthday parties and 189 kids enrolled in their hockey program. It’s only going up from here in only the second year of the 22 year lease. (The only (one) time they won’t have ongoing events will be the 3 weeks of the Louisiana State Fair.) You can expect figure skating, year round public skating, junior hockey, private parties, concerts and of course, Mudbugs Hockey due to kick off September 29th. One of the best renovations included replacing 2900 wooden seats with 1800 wider and deeper seats. The ice, surprisingly, is only 3/4” thick and is kept at a cool 16 degrees by an ice plant located under 6” of concrete. But if you’re a suite holder, don’t worry about getting cold. The floor level suites are located just off the ice and the ice temperature is about a 20 degree difference closest to the suites. Of the 8200 seats in the building, last year they averaged about 4800 people each weekend night of play.
Make sure you get your season tickets now, or even a suite if you hurry, an enjoy all 30 games of the 2016-17 Mudbugs Hockey Season.
If interested in a private event, you can find information on their website or by calling 636.7094.
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George Cloutier (1996-2008) is the inspiration behind George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. George had a dream that some day there would be an ice rink in Shreveport for everyone to enjoy. Opening to the public in November 2015, George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum will offer public skating, ice hockey, junior hockey jrmudbugs.com, figure skating, private parties, and more. In addition to the ice rink, the facility will host concerts and other entertainment events. Following renovations, The Shreveport Mudbugs will return in the Fall of 2016! Visit geauxbugs.com to reserve your seats today.