Canadian based company, Hard Set Sports and Entertainment is pleased to confirm that a ground breaking date will be announced in the next thirty days for the Cayman Ice Palace project, a world class entertainment facility that will be located in downtown George Town.

Mr Tim Best of Hard Set Sports and Entertainment said the government’s gazetted road enhancements, plans for improved pedestrian access and east-west arterial accesses presented huge opportunity for revitalising the downtown area.

“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far from the Cayman Islands Government on this exciting project,” he said. “The George Town entertainment district, anchored by the Cayman Ice Palace, has the potential to contribute to the country’s future by diversifying Cayman’s tourism product and improving the island’s livability.”

“As one of the Caribbean’s premier vacation destinations, it’s important for the Cayman Islands to be continually innovating and improving its tourism offering,” Mr Best said. “The government’s foresight in recognising the need to improve cruise ship passengers’ experience when visiting Cayman is to be applauded.”

The Cayman Ice Palace will be a multi-purpose hub for both the community and tourism. With over 6,300 seats for concerts the building will have the ability to also host conventions, trade shows, hockey, skating, boxing, basketball and will feature a daily, unique cirque-style ice show which will be promoted to the cruise ship market. The Cayman Ice Palace will create over 200 jobs for local Caymanians in management, marketing and hospitality.

“We are excited and committed to playing our part in providing the country with a vibrant, attractive, mixed-use and walkable downtown area, and through this growing tourism in the Cayman Islands,” Mr Best said. “We will continue to work closely with the Government, the Tourism Association, airlines, local and international travel trade and other industry partners to identify new travel and tourism opportunities.”

“We’ve received much support from both the Cayman Islands government and the general Cayman community,” Mr Best said. “We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made to date, but there is still work to be done. We look forward to sharing further details on the project soon.”

Local contractors Arch and Godfrey have been commissioned to construct the building which was designed by Robert Andrus of Michigan USA. The project will also rely on the sustainable energy expertise of the Green Tech Group, Cayman Ltd. A 160,000 sq ft solar panel roof will highlight the construction and resemble to scale, the shell of the Cayman Green Turtle.