Two and a half years from the time city council approved the expansion at the Cambridge Sports Park, the finishing touches are being put on the two new rinks.
One of the rinks opened last month and has seen teams practicing and playing on it for a few weeks, but supply chain issues prompted a staggered opening for the other pad and the main entrance.
The entire building was originally slated to open Sept. 1.
Brian Hood, general manager of the Cambridge Sports Park, said it hasn't always been smooth sailing throughout the project but overall the community's reaction has been great.
"People have been super excited," Hood said.
"Most people have been pretty patient through the process. It's been a challenging process with the ups and downs and all the inconveniences it's caused the customers but our communication with them has been very good and most have been very supportive."
Hood believes the revamped facility is just what the city needs.
With the Preston Auditorium construction getting underway this week and an anticipated opening date not until some time in 2025, along with aging arenas like Dickson, Duncan McIntosh and Karl Hommuth, the sports park is a much needed shot in the arm for residents.
"It's awesome, it's just exciting for people," Hood said.
"It's been a long time coming for people in Cambridge to have something like this to be proud of and get excited about. Not just for themselves but when they're hosting teams from other cities or groups coming in for competitions."
As the days fade away toward the completion, Hood hopes people take the time appreciate the hard work that's gone into make the renovations a reality.
"It'll be nice once it's all done," he said.
"Getting the other rink open soon will make a big difference and then the finishing touches. From a staffing standpoint, there's been a lot of noisy days and inconveniences but the staff have been super positive about the learning process. It's hard to believe a year ago this was a parking lot."
John Cook, vice president of Buckingham Sports Properties Co., said last month the second ice pad is scheduled to open on Nov. 15, with the entire renovated section of the building being ready for Dec. 15.
Hood confirmed there's currently no change to those timelines.
