LAKELAND, Fla. — The old Interstate Lanes bowling alley in Lakeland is being converted into a huge ice rink for hockey.
- Building located on West Memorial Boulevard near I-4
- Paul Granville got into hockey thanks to his son's interest in sport
- He hopes to work with Lightning to promote sport
- More Polk County headlines
Paul Granville is the guy behind Lakeland Ice Arena on West Memorial Boulevard near Interstate 4.
He is originally from England but got into hockey after his son Jack took up the sport as a 5-year-old. Jack is now on a team coached by former Tampa Bay Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier.
"Everything from our 8-year-old son and him enjoying it as much as he does, I just want to see that look on other kid’s faces. So that’s why we are doing all this," he said.
Granville is investing millions of dollars in converting the old bowling alley into a rink. He also has plans for a second building that will include another large rink and a second smaller one for children.
Granville said he will work closely with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization to help promote hockey in the Bay Area. He expects many teams to play at his facilities.
Granville expects the rink to be open in a few months. He is really excited.
"I can barely find the words. Just the opportunity for kids to play, to skate, to be out there," he said.
Paul Granville's son plays on a team coached by former Tampa Bay Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier.