Tipton Arena — Attraction in Greater Strathcona

I attended skating classes at Federation Skating Club here and was deeply disappointed with the experience. The coaching, provided by a young instructor, was severely lacking in engagement and effectiveness. She rushed through demonstrations without proper explanations, leaving many of us struggling with the basics. For instance, even after 10 classes, some participants could only march, not skate, due to a lack of fundamental instruction like bending at the knees to avoid falling backward.

The coach's disinterest was palpable; she seldom explained actions or the meaning of different signs, making it difficult to learn or improve. I often felt ignored and had to exert significant effort to receive any guidance. The class environment was also problematic. Starting times were inconsistent, with sessions often beginning late and unprepared, yet students were reprimanded for being on the ice too early.

The lack of progress was evident among all attendees, children and adults alike, leading to visible dissatisfaction and dwindling class sizes. It seemed as if the slow pace of learning was designed to encourage re-enrollment without delivering value.

Overall, the experience was marred by a sense of irresponsibility and incompetence from the coach, who appeared uninterested in teaching or fostering improvement. This environment not only hindered learning but also affected the overall enjoyment and safety of...

If Hometown Hockey visited Tipton, it would win out of sheer pity, the NHL players would have to use all four dressing rooms, and even then they’d be knee-to-knee.

The thirty-odd fans that could fit in the rink, risking hypothermia, might at least appreciate the city’s dark humour with the decorative, heater-like devices which hang teasingly over them.

The CBC camera crew would occupy the entirety of the parking lot’s fifteen parking stalls, while everyone else drives around the block in parade fashion, looking for a spot in high density, one-way street residential.

The lobby - 30% bench, 45% vending machine, and 20% weight-bearing poles - is cozy for any number of people, provided that number is under 10.

Tipton is, hands down, the best rink in Edmonton if your alternatives are frozen...

Easily in the top three worst arenas in the city. I always contemplate skipping my game when I see Tipton on the schedule. It's just small and outdated, and you know it's bad when the rink attendant tells you to exit through the front door so you don't get mugged after your game.

There are very few parking spaces, the lobby is narrow, and the dressing rooms were made for toddlers; trying to fit a men's league team in a room that size is truly an uncomfortable experience. Even the benches are crammed. You can't fit a whole team unless players are both standing and sitting.

The ice is half decent, and that is maybe the only good thing one could say...