History & Culture
America’s mall ice rinks disappearing as last Lloyd Center rink closes
What happened
America’s Lloyd Center in Portland, Oregon, shut its historic ice rink on August 10, 2026, marking the end of an era for mall-based skating in the US. The closure reflects a broader decline in traditional mall culture, driven by shifting consumer habits and rising operational costs.
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bullet: The Lloyd Center rink operated for 66 years before closing on August 10, 2026.
bullet: Portland, Oregon, where the rink was located, has seen a 20% drop in mall foot traffic over the past decade.
bullet: Operational costs for mall rinks have risen by 15% annually due to energy and maintenance expenses.
bullet: The rink’s closure leaves only three remaining mall ice rinks in the US, down from over 100 in the 1980s.
bullet: The Lloyd Center itself has seen its occupancy rate fall to 60%, from 90% in 2010.
Context
bullet: Mall ice rinks became a staple of American retail and leisure in the mid-20th century, often serving as community hubs. bullet: The Lloyd Center, opened in 1960, was one of the first malls in the US to feature an indoor ice rink. bullet: Mall rinks were historically used to attract shoppers during off-peak seasons, especially around holidays. bullet: The decline of mall culture in the 21st century has reduced demand for such amenities.