Janesville was buzzing this weekend, and not just with excitement, but with the sound of skates slicing across fresh ice. The exciting new Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center officially opened its doors with a series of celebratory events that showcased the incredible journey behind the project and the community that supported it. From fundraising to thoughtful design to the final stages of construction, this center stands as a true labor of love brought to life by the dedication and vision of the Rock County Community. 
The grand opening weekend kicked off Thursday evening with a heartfelt celebration honoring the partnerships and generous donors who helped bring the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center to life. City officials, Wisconsin Economic Development team members, and Woodman’s Market President Clint Woodman shared remarks of gratitude, recognizing the collaborative effort behind the project’s success and what impact it will make in the Janesville community.
On Friday, the community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the front entrance – marking the official unveiling of the space. Our Co-President, Jeannie Cullen Schultz, captured the spirit of the moment perfectly: “This is more than just a building. It’s a place where families will gather, athletes will compete, businesses will connect, and memories will be made.”
Saturday and Sunday were all about welcoming the community into their new home. Saturday’s lineup featured an open house, interactive tours, youth hockey competitions, and free public skating. The day ended on a high note with the Janesville Jets’ season opener – their first game in the new arena, which seats up to 1,500 fans. 
On Sunday, the celebration continued with more free skating sessions, giving the community a chance to break in the center’s two brand new NHL-sized ice rinks.
The impact of the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center is already being felt across Janesville and the greater Rock County community. From the first cheers in the new arena to families lacing up skates for the very first time, the excitement is real and growing!
Want to relive the magic or catch up on an event you might have missed? Be sure to check out the links below for the latest videos, articles and community highlights over the weekend!
First look inside Janesville’s Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center
