The Pettit National Ice Center, a U.S. Olympic Training Facility, is proud to announce that Rainbo Sports will open its first Wisconsin store at the Olympic Training Facility. Rainbo Sports replaces the Pettit’s existing pro shop, which has been operated by the Center since 1996.
“We’re very excited to welcome Rainbo Sports to the Pettit Center. They’re recognized nationally for their figure skating line and with expansion to the Pettit Center, Rainbo Sports plans to re-launch hockey and speed skating to serve our market’s diverse skating audience,” said Cindy Yomantas, executive director of the Pettit National Ice Center.
Rainbo Sports currently has retail operations in Skokie and Glenview, Illinois and is exploring expansion opportunities in several other markets. The company carries more than 11,000 items under a variety of labels. What’s more, Rainbo’s catalog and Internet businesses serve customers worldwide.
The Pettit Center location will open in August, with a grand opening celebration slated for September.
Allan Carvell, a founding member of the Ice Skating Institute (ISI), opened the Rainbo Ice Skating Arena in Chicago in 1956. The arena was one of the first commercial indoor ice rinks in the Midwest. In 1970 the Carvell family started Rainbo Sports, and the store quickly developed into the Midwest’s Number One hockey and figure skating retailer. Old Willow Partners of Chicago purchased Rainbo Sports in 2003. Old Willow Partners focuses on acquiring and managing established small- to mid-size, privately held companies.
Cale Carvell, a member of the original Rainbo Sports founding family, remains active in the operation. Cale is a former Junior Olympic hockey player, earning a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, Cale was a hockey teacher and coach for 15 years. He is currently a national masters level speed skater and a national masters in-line speed skating champion. Additionally, Cale has been a master boot fitter, blade mounter and sharpener for national and world-class skaters since 1965.
Already a regular speed skater on the Pettit Center’s Olympic oval, Cale plans to play an active role in the operation of Rainbo’s new Wisconsin store. “This is an exciting time,” said Cale. “Both Rainbo and the Pettit are implementing growth strategies we feel will lead our organizations to the next level of commitment to our customers.”
The Pettit National Ice Center, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, is one of only two covered Olympic ovals in the United States. Virtually every speed skater to participate in the last three Winter Games has trained at the Pettit Center. Medal winning athletes with a Pettit resume include Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, Casey FitzRandolph and Chris Witty.
In addition to the 400-meter Olympic oval, the Pettit features two international size ice rinks used for a variety of sports including hockey, figure skating and short track speed skating. The Facility also features a 450-meter indoor running track. Annually the Pettit Center offers more than 700 public skating sessions – most on the Olympic oval.
For more information on the Pettit Center and Rainbo Sports relationship please contact Rob Multerer by phone at 414.266.0100, ext. 132 or email at rmulterer@thepettit.com
Contact: Rob Multerer
Director of Marketing
Pettit National Ice Center
414.266.0100, ext. 132
rmulterer@thepettit.com
