New England Sports Center — Local services in Marlborough

As someone who spends quite a bit of time here, I have rather mixed feelings about NESC. Pros: Large facility that caters to many different events and leagues, and give plenty the opportunity to enjoy hockey and skating. Their locker rooms are adequately sized, and the warm mezzanine upstairs is pleasant for spectators. My experience with their restaurant has also been good for the most part. Cons: The layout and arrangement of the facility doesn't make a whole lot of sense, and has only gotten worse with each expansion over the years. A lack of way-finding signage has compounded the issue, leading to many confused players and families (although more signage has been installed recently). Building cleanliness/maintenance is often an issue, and ice quality could be improved. Availability of parking spaces is also an issue during busy tournament weekends. Overall the facility does an "OK" job serving its purpose, providing many kids and adults a place to skate and have fun. However, it is definitely evident at times that maybe it has grown too much for its own good, and has become difficult for staff to keep up with...

NB: I work here.

It’s a big venue, and easy to get lost inside. Check out the map before you come, and take a minute to familiarize yourself with the layout.

Stick time and public skate are low-cost bargains, and rarely crowded. Check online for days and hours, though, because they’re often cancelled during tournaments.

If you’re there for a tournament, there are two on-site restaurants offering pretty good food, especially for a rink. The seafood restaurant at the back offers higher-quality food at slightly higher prices, and wine and beer can be purchased during specified hours. There are also a number of chain restaurants in the area for when you want a change of scenery.

Parking can be challenging. Avoid parking in the front by the flagpoles in the tow zones, and where you might block a fire truck or ambulance. Cars do get towed, and even if you see other cars parked there, it’s a really bad bet.

Please (please, please) be kind to and patient with younger referees and timekeepers (they’re somebody’s much-loved kids) and remember that overtime, shootouts, and injuries can...

They are investing a lot of money into this facility and it could be top notch if they fix some of the problem items. Parking is a huge issue on any busy or tournament weekend. They will and do tow and it costs $240 if you need to reclaim your car from the mile down the road (happened to people we know). Once you get in, although there is a screen to tell you what team plays where and their locker room #, there are no signs directing players and fans on how to get there. Marked bathrooms are scarce (only 2) but fortunately if you're there enough, you know there are hidden unmarked bathrooms on the rink levels closer to the locker rooms. The viewing area is good, you can watch from the warm mezzanine area or inside the rink (though it's mostly limited bench seating and SRO). This area over looks the rink and isn't blocked by netting so it's great for viewing and picture taking. There are 2 restaurant areas with plenty of food options though I can't say I've yet found a water bottle refill station. Good little pro shop that also does skate...