Essex County Codey Arena

Essex County Codey Arena At A Glance...

• Two NHL-sized rinks under one roof, with about 2,500 seats around the main one.
• The New Jersey Devils practiced here from 1986 until the Prudential Center opened.
• Skaters in a Learn to Skate class, from Snow Plow level to adult, get the public session after class at no extra cost.
• Home to the Daredevils, a special needs hockey team that has played here since 2002 and hosts an October Halloween tournament called Frankenfest.
• Todays Sunrise: ,   Sunset:  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Essex County

• Rules/Regulations:

  • Entrance Fee Required

Contact / Location

A Brief History

The arena opened in 1958 as the South Mountain Arena, and a second rink was added in 1983. From 1986 it was the New Jersey Devils' practice and training facility, until the Prudential Center opened in Newark. In 2004 and 2005 it was renovated with a new lobby, new rink boards and seating, and it reopened as the Codey Arena, named for former Governor Richard Codey. The Jersey Rockhoppers of the Eastern Professional Hockey League made it home in 2008, and the New Jersey Daredevils, a special needs hockey team, have played here since 2002.

Programs / Education

Learn to Skate classes run in sessions through the winter, and the county's page lists the next registration and start dates. The arena offers group lessons, private lessons, hockey camps and clinics, and a Learn to Play Hockey program. Many clubs train here, among them the Essex Skating Club, the Skyliners synchronized skating teams, the Garden State Speedskating Club, a sled hockey program and a hockey team for players with special needs.

Things to See & Do

Public skating is the way in for most visitors. Learn to Skate classes run in sessions from Snow Plow level through adult, and skaters registered in a class get the public session that follows at no extra cost. Freestyle sessions for figure skaters are posted on the calendar, and private lessons are available with the arena's figure skating staff.

Hockey players and parents come for the camps, clinics and leagues, and the rinks host high school hockey games, the annual Essex County Winter Holiday Hockey Tournament and the Essex Skating Club's Winter Ice Escapade. The arena also hosts non-ice events such as wrestling tournaments and graduations.

Tips and Tricks

The arena recommends that all skaters bring or wear a helmet, gloves and warm clothing, but it does not provide helmets or gloves. Rental skates run from a toddler size 8 to an adult size 13. The county's FAQ says you do not have to reserve a public session, just show up, but call ahead for a group of 15 or more. Its page also carries a reservation link for public sessions, so check it for the current sessions before you go.

Admission & Guidelines

Admission is charged for public skating. The county's posted prices for November and December 2026 are $14 for adults, $10 for children 15 and under, and $10 for military and seniors 62 and older, with rental skates at $5. Freestyle sessions are $19 an hour. Discount cards can be bought at the main office.

Hours / Season of Operation

Open all year. The arena is open every day, and public skating is on set sessions that change through the season. The county posts the current public, freestyle and holiday sessions on its Codey Arena page and calendar, so check the county's website before you go.

Facilities

Two ice rinks, a large lobby with a concession stand, rental skates, three party rooms that each hold up to 50 guests, and a synthetic ice goaltending training area. The county also rents the rear lobby and its three party rooms for events.

Directions

The arena is in the South Mountain Recreation Complex at 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, the same address the county gives for Turtle Back Zoo.

The county lists the Essex Skating Club, the Skyliners and Essex Blades synchronized skating teams, Garden State Speedskating Club, Devils Youth Ice Hockey, the New Jersey Daredevils, Essex Special Olympics and the Essex County high school hockey teams among the groups that use the arena.

The Turtle Back Zoo is in the same recreation complex, with the Essex County Treetop Adventure Course and MiniGolf Safari also listed by the county there.

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