Even though it has "the fastest ice on earth," the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns has much more to offer than speedskating, figure skating and hockey.
With soccer camps, lacrosse leagues and even indoor football, as well as an indoor running track, the public venue wants to let the local community know that they are welcome.
"We want the public to use the facility and to see the international speedskaters using it," said Steve Kun, the Oval's marketing and community relations manager. "There are numerous other facilities in the state where people can skate, but this is the only one where you can skate on a 400-meter oval — the same ice that Olympians skate on."
He said families can buy an annual pass for $99 that will give them unlimited skating with skate rentals, an introductory skating lesson and access to the running track.
Kun said the oval will be hosting two soccer camps over the summer, one in July and one in August. It will also have a goalkeeping clinic led by Real Salt Lake goalie Jay Nolly and coach Peter Mellor.
"The summer months get pretty slow," Kun said. "But the soccer leagues are big year-round."
Even with all the other sports that are played at the venue, the oval is still home to world-class speedskating.
"This is the best facility in the world to train at," said Matt Kooreman, who oversees the speedskating program.
Kooreman said there are about 50 athletes in the Oval Speed-Skating Club and 25-30 in its step program, which is a developmental program for elite skaters.
"Right after the Olympics, we had 30 new people in the speedskating clinic," Kooreman said. "Since the Olympics, we've had a big jump (in camp attendance). We give everyone their shot."
There will be six learn-to-skate clinics and five learn-to-speedskate clinics during the summer, spanning from June to August. There will also be a "Speed Camp" for short track speedskating, a "Weekend Warrior 2006" camp for long track speedskating and a "Desert Classic 2006" camp, also for long track speedskating.
The oval also offers beginner hockey camps and curling clinics.
For more information on camps or any other summer activities, athletes can call the oval at 801-963-7120, or look on its Web site at www.olyparks.com
The oval trademarked the phrase "the fastest ice on earth" because of all the records that have been set there, Kun said. At its peak, the venue was the site for eight existing records. Currently, there are five.
"That's the lowest number we've ever had," Kun said.
There are a few reasons for so many records, Kun said. The elevation of over 4,300 feet helps as well as an excellent operations staff. He said the facility was designed to keep the right temperatures in the ice and air and to keep the humidity levels ideal.
More than speedskating
The following sports are played in the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns:
Speedskating
Hockey
Figure skating
Curling
Lacrosse
Indoor soccer
Indoor track
Indoor football
E-mail: bhinton@desnews.com