Anyone who has sat through a 6 a.m. practice knows what a rink needs: hot coffee, cold water, and something for the kids between periods. Many municipal arenas and recreation centres have a canteen that is only open during tournaments, or no canteen at all. Vending machines fill that gap every day, at no cost to the facility.
Why arenas and rec centres are a good fit
- Long hours. Ice time can run from early morning to late evening, seven days a week, far beyond what a staffed canteen can cover.
- Peaks and lulls. Tournament weekends bring crowds; weekday afternoons are quiet. Machines handle both without staffing costs.
- Families waiting. Parents, siblings and spectators spend hours in the stands and lobby.
- Several user groups. Hockey, figure skating, curling, swimming, fitness classes and community programs all share the same building.
What to place, and where
| Location in the building | Machine | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby or warm viewing area | Bean-to-cup coffee | Hot coffee, tea and hot chocolate for cold stands and early ice times |
| Near dressing rooms | Drink machine | Water and sports drinks for players before and after games |
| Main lobby | Combo machine | Snacks and drinks in one cabinet for spectators and families |
| Pool or fitness area | Drink or healthy snack machine | Hydration and protein options. See vending for gyms and fitness centres. |
Working alongside an existing canteen
If your facility already runs a canteen or leases one to a local group, vending does not have to compete with it. Machines can cover the hours the canteen is closed, or carry items the canteen does not sell, such as cold drinks near the dressing rooms or coffee in a second lobby. We plan the product mix with you.
Healthy options for youth programs
Facilities that host minor sports often have nutrition guidelines. We can set a product mix with water, milk-based drinks, lower-sugar options and better-for-you snacks, and adjust it based on what actually sells. Read more about healthy vending machines in Canada.
What it costs the municipality or facility
Nothing. We supply new or fully refurbished machines, install them, keep them stocked and clean, and repair them at $0, with no contract. Machines report stock levels remotely, so busy tournament weekends do not leave the machines empty. Every machine takes tap-to-pay, credit, debit, cash and coins, which matters in a building where few people carry change.
Frequently asked questions
Can machines handle the cold in an arena?
Machines go in heated areas such as lobbies, viewing areas and hallways, not on the rink floor. We confirm a suitable spot and power outlet during the site visit.
We are a municipal facility. Do you work with towns and cities?
Yes. We place machines in public facilities and can provide the information your procurement team needs.
Do you serve small-town arenas?
Yes. Our route network covers 2,100+ cities and towns, including many smaller communities with a single arena.
Ready for coffee that works at 6 a.m.? Request a free vending machine for your arena or recreation centre. We reply within one business day and install in 3 to 5 business days.
