Matt Pyles has had a passion for skating and hockey his entire life.
“Hockey’s a big part of what I do for fun,” Pyles said. “Playing pickup hockey growing up, that was just a big thing. You go find an elementary school parking lot and we'd play hockey out there. And then I've been watching hockey my whole life as well. So, it's just kind of in my blood.”
As the manager of Doorza Pizza and co-founder of Fresco Kitchen and Grill, Pyles is no stranger to business management. With his business experience and love for skating, Pyles and his business partner Jeff McClure decided to open Rink 99, an outdoor skating rink in Sugar City.
“Normally in a wintertime, there's a lot of people that are kind of sad and depressed because it's so cold and miserable,” Pyles said. “And to have something to do in the wintertime outside is so good for people's mental health. It's so fun to be out there as well. So, the demand's there.”
Rink 99 was named the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for February. The rink has various discounts, specials and events for skaters. They offer group rates, beginner hockey night, drop in hockey night and an upcoming BYU-I Night.
“BYU-I Night is coming up on February 23rd and that'll be $5 to skate,” Pyles said. “You just got to show your BYUI ID, and you get in for $5. And that's a Monday night, so perfect for family home evening.”
Pyles hopes that in the future Rink 99 will offer more special events to bring more people to the rink.
“Come out and skate,” Pyles said. “You can be happy in the wintertime, and one of those ways is enjoying the time outside. So, we just encourage people to come skate, come say hi. Experience something new.”
Rink 99 is located at 42 Park Ave. in Sugar City. More information on Rink 99 can be found on their Rink 99 website and Facebook page.