Pettit National Ice Center | Long Track Infrastructure
Ensure climate-controlled entrances and defined guest flow for high-stakes speed skating events
The Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee hosts major long-track speed skating events requiring controlled entry systems and reliable winter performance. JK Rentals delivers snow-protected, climate-managed entry structures that preserve interior conditions and support efficient check-in during high-attendance competitions.
JK Rentals provided a multi-structure entry system for guest flow, environmental protection, and access control. Structures meet ISO 20121 standards for safety and sustainability.
The footprint featured a 15m clearspan check-in space for efficient flow, a 9m pressurized entrance for comfort, and a 110ft walkway guiding guests inside.
Site Conditions & Logistics
The entry system was installed on grass and anchored with stakes. A telehandler supported controlled material placement and lift sequencing across winter ground conditions, allowing the crew to maintain schedule despite low temperatures and wind exposure.
Execution Highlights
A closer look at how winter entry infrastructure protected the venue while supporting efficient guest circulation.
Pressurized Entry Transition
A small pressurized entrance remained dry, balancing airflow and preventing cold air from exchanging between the ice center and the setup.
Defined Flooring Path
Dura-Trac flooring created a stable, professional path through the check-in, entrance, and walkway.
Heated Guest Areas
Targeted heating maintained comfortable check-in conditions for staff and attendees.
Event Production Support
Platform structures supported broadcast needs and guest viewing, including placement on the ice.
Challenges & Execution
Single-digit temperatures and steady 20mph winds introduced additional construction and safety challenges. Despite these conditions, the team delivered on schedule with an average crew of 10, completing installation in 4 days and teardown in 2 days. Over the last five events, we have consistently managed zero weather-related delays, highlighting our resilience under pressure. The client was satisfied with the efficient process, and the site was left clean and fully reset.
Testimonial
We started working with JK Rentals in 2018 for an event that had no “blueprint.” There were a lot of unknowns and things never tried before at our site, but with JK’s knowledge and willingness to adapt as we go, we came up with a phenomenal event in 2018, which we have duplicated now four times since the first one. Each event has changed slightly, but JK takes the changes, adapts and gets the job done. We get solicited by others in the industry, but we’re highly satisfied with JK Rentals so there is no reason for us to move elsewhere. We look forward to many years of working together in the future.
Kevin Butler Director of Marketing, Pettit Center
Milwaukee, WI
System Additions
Winter sporting events require coordinated entry, environmental control, and circulation infrastructure. Supporting systems are selected to preserve interior climate integrity while maintaining safe and efficient guest movement.
Hosting a high-performance winter event? We design climate-controlled entry systems that protect your facility, manage peak attendance, and execute reliably in extreme conditions.
