ABOUT US

Biddeford Ice Arena was constructed in 1973 and opened in 1974. The arena was constructed by two investors who resided in Sanford, Maine. Over the course of the following 4 years, the area operated on a yearly basis, never knowing if it would open each year. Portland Savings Bank played a major role in keeping the arena from being sold for other purposes.

In 1978, members of the Biddeford Youth Hockey Association formed the York County Recreation Association. The non-profit corporation was formed to try to obtain stability. The association raised the needed money and leased the arena from the bank for 9 months. Local area hockey enthusiast bought shares in the corporation and Biddeford Youth Hockey Association launched a massive fundraising events; such as car washes by the Maine Mariners, spaghetti suppers, and hosting hockey games. The Maine Mariners held their first scrimmage at the arena against the then Nova Scotia Voyageurs. In May of 1979, the York County Recreation Association dissolved.

Later that same year, York County Arena association was formed and gained non-profit status entitling it to tax-exempt status. John Narsiff, one of the founding directors, recruited local businessmen as members as the new association board of directors.

The association hired Andy Lefebvre as the first general manager and approached the City of Biddeford to purchase the arena when the bank put the arena up for sale that year, with a plan to lease it back to the association. In 1979, the Biddeford City Council decided to let the voters decide by referendum if the city should purchase the arena at a cost of $285,000. The referendum passed under Mayor Roger Frechette's administration, and the city immediately leased the area back to York County Arena Association to continue operating the facility.