2026 – The Year of TheZone!

What began as a bold vision inside Northwest Arena has grown into something much bigger — a destination where imagination, movement, creativity, and discovery all come together under one roof. 

Back in 2018, Northwest Arena expanded with a 15,000-square-foot addition, creating new opportunities for growth within the already thriving facility, home to two NHL-sized ice sheets, a café, and versatile community spaces. That expansion laid the foundation for exciting new experiences — including the future home of TheZone. 

Designed for children ages 2–13, TheZone was created with one mission in mind — to inspire learning through play by blending the worlds of Sports and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). More than just a play space, TheZone is envisioned as a place where curiosity is encouraged, confidence is built, and unforgettable family memories are made. 

From interactive activities and educational programs to school field trips, sensory-friendly hours, birthday parties, and general admission experiences, TheZone is built to be a vibrant, welcoming environment for children and families of all interests and abilities. 

Bringing a vision this ambitious to life required world-class expertise. That’s why Northwest Arena partnered with globally recognized entertainment and design leaders RWS Global and Cortina Productions. These creative powerhouses have helped shape some of the world’s most iconic attractions and experiences, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, LEGOLAND, The Lion King on Broadway, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and the award-winning National Comedy Center located right next door to Northwest Arena in Jamestown, New York. 

In 2025, years of planning, fundraising, and community support culminated in a major milestone: reaching the project’s capital funding goal. That achievement officially launched construction, fabrication, and activity installation, turning years of dreaming into reality. Funding efforts stretched across local, state, and federal grants, activity sponsorships, fundraising events, and individual donations. Every contribution played a role in helping bring this one-of-a-kind family destination to life. 

And now, 2026 has officially become “The Year of TheZone.” 

According to a study conducted by multinational consulting firm AECOM, TheZone is expected to become a major regional attraction — drawing children and families from near and far as one of the country’s only indoor interactive Sports and STEAM play spaces of its kind. 

TheZone adds an entirely new dimension to the Northwest Arena experience, complementing the facility’s existing lineup of ice skating, hockey, figure skating, ice bumper cars, and backyard curling. But beyond the attractions themselves, TheZone represents something even greater: a place where children can dream bigger, explore freely, and discover new passions through play. 

At TheZone, every laugh, leap, and discovery is a step toward a brighter future. Together, let’s spark imagination, nurture ambition, and build a future where we all INSPIRE. DREAM. GROW.