The Marina Bay Sands Ice Skating Rink

Background

The skating rink at the Marina Bay Sand’s Integrated Resort in Singapore is located inside the retail complex on the Canal Level, next to the Rasapura Masters Food Court.  Operating hours are 10am to 10pm daily (closed 5pm-6pm for maintenance). http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Shopping/Skating-Rink/

 

The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort

 

It is pretty small, measuring only about 600 SM. The rink shape isn’t your typical elongated oval (an Olympic hockey rink comes in at about 1830 SM.  Given its small size it is mainly used just for recreational skating.  It is a good way to keep the kids happy since the rest of the integrated resort is geared for adults (lots of gaming, nightlife options, upscale shopping, celebrity chef restaurants, etc). 

While I’m focusing only on the rink at MBS, in case you’re curious and want to go ice skating in hot and humid Singapore, the MBS rink is one of only two operating ice skating rinks.  It came online with the opening of the integrated resort in 2010.  The only other rink is Kallang Ice World which opened in 2007 as part of the Kallang Leisure Park, located near the Stadium MRT.  At 975.5 SM, the Kallang rink is much bigger but still nowhere near Olympic size.  Nevertheless as Singapore’s larger rink, Kallang is the preferred practice rink for figure skaters and hockey players. Some more trivia that is sure to improve your life…the NTU figure skating club uses Kallang’s rink.  A third rink, Fuji Ice Palace, ceased operations in 2008.

Me at the MBS rink

Defining Space

Space in an ice skating rink is sold implicitly but not as implicitly as a hotel where space is split up into guest rooms or restaurants where space is divided into different types of seats.  The customer doesn’t know that they are being sold a piece of space which in this case would be the amount of space they are allocated based on the maximum safe capacity that the rink can handle.  

Defining Time

At the MBS rink, time is sold explicitly in hour-long blocks.    The pricing is as follows: S$7 for the first hour for adults (S$5 for additional hours), and S$6 for kids for the first hour (S$3 for additional hours).  This makes it easy to predict duration. 

Most other rinks in the industry (the kind that I’m more used to seeing) sell time in a more implicit manner using a flat rate that allows the skater to skate all day.  This sort of pricing scheme makes it hard to predict duration.

If MBS sticks with an explicit definition of time, it could consider splitting time up into the half hour, perhaps offering a 0.5 hour “quickie” or a 1.5 hour option.  The rink is small so I think most people will get bored pretty quickly and decide to leave before a full hour is up.  Thus a quickie may be an enticing offer.  They can do a few laps, take the necessary “victory” sign picture and move on with their day. 

For a rink that chooses to define time implicitly, another way is to split it into perhaps morning (10:00-noon), afternoon (noon-17:00), and evening sessions (17:00-closing). 

A night photo that I found online

Rate Fences

Rate fencing is not really utilized at the MBS skating rink except to divide the adult rate classes and child rate classes (a non-physical rate fence).  Age is used to prevent jumping to the lower rate class, though the cutoff age is not clear from the website.

Presently there doesn’t seem to be any real physical rate fence used.  There are no amenities (though I guess MBS can bundle in some equipment if they were to be more creative with managing the ice rink).  There are no “fancy ice skates” that can be rented at a premium over the regular ugly ones, and that can be used to differentiate a premium customer from a regular one.

Also since it is a small ice rink and people move around, there really isn’t a sweet spot that would allow you to sell a particular piece of it at a premium as you might be able to do for better seats in a movie theater or a nicer table in a restaurant.

The rink can consider rate fences to aid in RM efforts but it should probably approach it in a more back of the scenes approach (as in keep the pricing board at the ticketing counter as simple as possible).  The last thing you want to do is confuse the customer when they stare at the prices.  Here’s some ideas for rate fences.

  • If MBS begins to do reservations (i.e. for peak periods), a credit card guarantee against arrival uncertainty could be used to justify a discount for booking ahead.   
  • If MBS were to consider launching targeted promotions, adding in value adding amenities (i.e. souvenirs, equipment bundling, or some sort of special service like helping to clear the ice for a few minutes so a man can propose to his girlfriend) could be a physical rate fence. 
  • With discount promotions, restrictions on usage become a non-physical rate fence. 
  • If MBS were to introduce discounted pricing onto their pricing board based on time of day, day of week, weekday/weekend & public holiday, then these factors become non-physical fences
  • If MBS were to do group sales (more on that later), then the group affiliation becomes the non-physical fence.

 

Factors appropriate for Revenue Management

Fixed Capacity: The MBS rink has a fixed capacity.   It’s not going to get any bigger. There’s probably also a maximum limit of people who can be on the ice at any one time for safety reasons.

Perishable Inventory:  This is valuable real estate inside a busy retail complex.  If the space isn’t being utilized as efficiently as possible (i.e. not a lot of skaters) throughout the operating timeframe each day then there are lost revenue generating opportunities.

Appropriate Cost Structure: high fixed cost (to build it) and relatively low variable cost to run it (probably just some staff to sell tickets, handle the shoe rental, someone to watch for safety, and someone to drive the zamboni)

Varying Customer Price Sensitivity: maybe…Ice skating at MBS is pretty expensive.  I’m used to paying a flat rate back in the States which is something like $10 all day.  At MBS there is a fixed pricing scheme of S$7 for the first hour for adults (S$5 for additional hours), and S$6 for kids for the first hour (S$3 for additional hours).  While I’m sure there are tons of rich, price insensitive people who come to MBS, there are probably lots of poor people like me who just visit from time to time to walk around.  I might be more inclined to want to skate (on an impulsive whim) if they offer a variable pricing scheme with promotions for off-peak periods.

Predictable Demand and Time Variable Demand: MBS probably has the data to forecast customer arrival patterns by time of year, DOW, and TOD.  I don’t think they do reservations so you’re not going to really have an exact on-the-books kind of demand picture at the start of the day, but there might be a correlation of ice rink customer volume with occupancy patterns, particularly if drilled down to certain customer segments in house?

What Quadrant?

Currently the MBS ice rink is likely at quadrant 1.  It has a predictable duration (customer is charged based on how many hours they want to skate), and a fixed price (though they get a little discount after the first hour).  The rink would have to move towards a more dynamic pricing scheme in order to advance towards quadrant 2.

Measurement

Similar to a restaurant where customers start and end their meals at different times, the MBS ice rink has people starting and ending their time blocks at different times.  Additionally there is a limit to how many people who can safely be on the ice at one time. Although I’m not sure what the best way to measure success is, I’ve got two ideas.

One way is to use revenue per available square meter (RevPASM) since you know the rink dimension.  You can look at RevPASM hour by hour (to be more accurate you can look into prorating the revenue from each customer based on when they start and finish arriving at a total hourly revenue figure for the rink) and try to maximize it without overcrowding the rink. 

Another idea that I’m more inclined to attempt is that I’d take into account the maximum safe capacity of the rink based on company policy (or regulation?) and do an imaginary compartmentalization of space so that it can be sold more implicitly.  This would be analogous to dividing up a restaurant dining room into seats.  Instead of restaurant seats, you’d have skater-space (the amount of space you’d allocate for the skater on the rink).  So if I say 10 SM per skater, then I can safely put 60 skaters on the 600 SM rink.  Doing so, I can use a measurement similar to revenue per available seat hour (RevPASH) that incorporates both a space and time element: revenue per available skater-space hour, which abbreviates to RevPASSH (threw in the extra “S” to avoid confusion)

Ancillary Revenue

 Skate rental $3 (you’re forced to rent; cannot bring your own skates), socks $6 (probably b/c a lot of people probably make a last minute decision to skate and don’t have crew socks high enough to protect your ankles from chafing), gloves $10 (maybe if you fall a lot).  People who skate probably also spend some money on food (hot chocolate?) at the adjacent food court.  Additionally, they (especially the parents) probably are going to spend money in other parts of the integrated resort as well.

How to Boost Revenue Performance

For the MBS ice rink, probably the easiest way to boost revenue performance and get closer to Quadrant 2 is to examine RevPASSH and figure out the hot/cold periods throughout the day.  Then attempt to implement variable pricing to maximize revenue.  They can launch promotions and discounts to drive demand on the cold periods (i.e. through targeting their Premium Advantage member card holders).  Actually if they’re more concerned with a total RM approach, I want to put it out there that I’m a Premium Advantage card holder and I’m a sucker for free things.  So if they gave me a free skate hour I’d probably use it, and end up staying and blowing money in the casino after.  This suggests that if you can do something to get kids to beg their parents to take them to the rink, MBS stands a good chance of getting one parent to venture into the casino while the other watches the kids.     

MBS can make more money by selling ice rink souvenirs and enticing people to eat at the food court next to the rink.  You can have your hot chocolate.  And, since it’s Asia, there’s dim sum!

mmm.....dim sum!

Another thing MBS can do is to consider selling to small groups as part of their meeting package.  It could be marketed as a “quick fun break” where meeting goers can all go down and have a few minutes of fun.  But MBS must do this carefully and target the cold periods.  MBS is a large MICE facility.  The last thing you want is a few hundred meeting goers all demanding to use the rink at once.  The poor rink attendant will get slaughtered.

Additionally they can look into streamlining the procedures to get people off the ice quickly once their time is up and to clean and turn over the ice skates. This will help to enforce the predictable duration and also reduce time between customers.

32,206 thoughts on “The Marina Bay Sands Ice Skating Rink

  1. luca900 (https://luca900.com/)
    เว็บตรง เล่นง่าย ฝาก – ถอน ออโต้ รองรับ True Wallet เว็บสล็อต ที่มาเป็นอันดับต้น ๆ ของตอนนี้ เล่นได้เเบบไม่ต้องเสียตังเพราะทางเว็บได้เเจกกิจกรรมเครดิตฟรี 100 บาท ให้กับที่พึ่ง สมัครสมาชิก เว็บสล็อต slotluca เว็บสล็อตที่มีค่ายเกมส์ให้เลือกเล่นมากมาย
    ไม่มีขั่นต่ำ ถอนได้จริง ถอนได้ไว ใช้เวลาเพียงไม่ถึง 3 วิ

  2. NatashaRoy Offering High Class Hyderabad Escorts Service, here you get all type of sexy Hot Escort Call Girl at very cheap rate. So if you are in Hyderabad and Looking for Hyderabad escort call girls then Choose NatashaRoy Escort Agency.

  3. My younger brother was irritated all the time because of this same issue but after I consulted them for him, he feels a lot better and believe me every single issue is solved! creeksiderr

  4. Get a Cost Estimate: Before hiring a locksmith, ask for a detailed cost estimate for the services you need. A reputable locksmith will provide transparent pricing upfront, including any potential additional fees for emergency services or after-hours calls. Avoid locksmiths who are hesitant to provide a clear estimate or try to upsell you on unnecessary services. Locksmith services near me

  5. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I’m pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. agen menaraqq

  6. Vi kommer att få bra innehåll med tiden. Jag förstår att detta är fantastiskt och jag är redo att dela min erfarenhet med dig.
    Köp lsd online. Det finns många anledningar till att lära människor det du kan. Detta för att göra det möjligt för dem att göra världen till en bättre plats för dig och för mig.
    MORNING GLORY FRÖ

  7. Vi får godt indhold med tiden. Jeg forstår, at dette er fantastisk, og jeg er klar til at dele min oplevelse med dig.
    Køb lsd online. Der er mange grunde til at lære folk, hvad du ved. Dette er for at sætte dem i stand til at gøre verden til et bedre sted for dig og for mig.
    Köp Demerol Injektion online

  8. Obtendremos buen contenido con el tiempo. Entiendo que esto es asombroso y estoy listo para compartir mi experiencia contigo.
    Compre lsd en línea. Hay muchas razones para enseñarle a la gente lo que sabes. Esto es para permitirles hacer del mundo un lugar mejor para ti y para mí.
    Comprar Vyvanse (Lisdexanfetamina)

  9. Obteremos um bom conteúdo com o tempo. Entendo que isso é incrível e estou pronto para compartilhar minha experiência com você.
    Compre lsd online. Existem muitos motivos para ensinar às pessoas o que você sabe. Isto é para capacitá-los a tornar o mundo um lugar melhor para você e para mim.
    Compre pó PCP online

  10. Køb efedrinpulver online
    We will get good content over time. I understand that this is amazing and I am ready to share my experience with you.
    Buy lsd online. There are many reasons to teach people what you know. This is to enable them to make the world a better place for you and for me.

  11. Thank you for the insightful blog post on Casino Revenue Management. Your detailed analysis of space, time, and pricing strategies shed light on the intricacies of the industry. PGSLOT, a platform I frequently use for casino insights, aligns with your suggestions on data-driven space utilization and creative time division. The idea of adjusting drink prices based on table limits is particularly intriguing. Your article not only enhances my understanding but also sparks ideas for innovation in the casino business. Looking forward to more enriching content from you.

  12. Thank you for your insightful blog article on the Marina Bay Sands Ice Skating Rink. Your detailed exploration of the space, time, rate fences, and revenue management factors was enlightening. สล็อตเว็บตรง adds a dynamic touch to the rink’s potential growth. I appreciate the personalized tips, and your humorous take on hot chocolate and dim sum made me smile. Looking forward to more of your engaging content.

  13. In the realm of self-expression and confidence, lingerie plays a significant role. Beyond its functional purpose, lingerie is a statement of personal style and sensuality. Buy lingerie

  14. pigusso168 เล่นสล็อตออนไลน์รวมโปรกับแหล่งรวมสล็อตpigusso168 เดิมพันสล็อตได้เงินจริง

  15. JOKER123 มีระบบฝาก ถอน อัตโนมัติที่ปลอดภัย 100%
    เกมออนไลน์ที่ได้เงินจริง joker123 ที่น่าตื่นเต้นมาก กราฟฟิคสวยงาม ระบบที่มั่นคง ปลอดภัย รองรับใน อนาคต เพื่อให้คุณเพลิดเพลิน ค้นพบช่วงเวลาแห่งความสนุกและคุ้มค่า JOKER123 เป็นที่รู้จักกัน ทั่วโลกสำหรับอินเตอร์เฟซที่ใช้งานง่ายและเกมที่ทันสมัย รวมทั้งการบริการลูกค้า ซึ่งจะตอบสนอง ความต้องการของคุณและโปรโมชั่นที่ดี ที่คุณจะเพลิดเพลินไปกับเกมของเราสล็อตเว็บตรง แตกง่าย โจ๊กเกอร์123TH ฝากถอนไม่มีขั้นต่ำ พร้อมระบบอัตโนมัติ สมัครสมาชิก ฝาก ถอน อัตโนมัติภายใน 1 วินาทีทีมงาน Joker123th สล็อตเว็บตรง แตกง่ายของเราได้พัฒนาระบบสมาชิก ฝาก ถอน อัตโนมัติ เพื่ออำนวยความสะดวกให้กับสมา ชิกทุกท่านได้ทำการสมัคร ฝาก ถอน ได้ด้วยตนเอง โดยไม่ต้องผ่าน Call Center ซึ่งระบบมีความ รวดเร็ว ปลอดภัย สมบูรณ์ 100%

  16. Pigusso168 สล็อตออนไลน์ โปรโมชั่นแรกเข้า 100% pigusso168 สล็อต แหล่งรวมสล็อตที่มีให้บริการในเว็บไซต์แห่งนี้ มีการรวบรวมเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ให้คุณได้เลือกใช้บริการมากมาย เป็นเกมสล็อตออนไลน์จากค่ายเกมการเดิมพันทั่วประเทศ อีกทั้งทางเว็บไซต์แห่งนี้ยังมีการจัดโปรโมชั่นสล็อตให้นักเดิมพันได้ใช้บริการ

  17. pigusso168 สล็อตออนไลน์ โปรโมชั่นแรกเข้า 100%pigusso168 pigusso168 สล็อต แหล่งรวมสล็อตที่มีให้บริการในเว็บไซต์แห่งนี้ มีการรวบรวมเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ให้คุณได้เลือกใช้บริการมากมาย เป็นเกมสล็อตออนไลน์จากค่ายเกมการเดิมพันทั่วประเทศ อีกทั้งทางเว็บไซต์แห่งนี้ยังมีการจัดโปรโมชั่นสล็อตให้นักเดิมพันได้ใช้บริการ

  18. เว็บบาคาร่าออนไลน์
    SKYBET66 เว็บ บาคาร่าออนไลน์ ความหน้าเชื่อถือระดับโลก ที่ดูแลคุณเป็นอย่างดีทุกช่วงเวลา ในการเล่น คาสิโนออนไลน์ เช่น เล่นไพ่ ป๊อกเด้งออนไลน์ และแนวเซ็กซี่ บิกินี่ บาคาร่า สล๊อต แทงบอล แทงมวย แทงไก่ชน แทงบอลสเต็ป ไม่ว่าคุณจะอยู่ที่ใดในโลกคุณก็สามารถ เข้าถึงความสนุกเร้าใจ เล่นง่ายได้เงินจริง กับเกมส์พนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดได้ทุกที่ทุกเวลา ทุกแพลตฟอร์ม ทั้งคอมพิวเตอร์ แท็ปเล็ต หรือแม้แต่โทรศัพท์มือถือ ทุกรุ่น ทุกระบบ ทั้ง Android และ iOS สมัคร SKYBET66 เว็บตรง ฝากถอน ผ่านระบบออโต้ ฝากไม่มีขั้นต่ำ สามารถร่วมเปิดประสบการณ์ไปกับเราได้ทุกเมื่อ มีเกมเดิมพันออนไลน์ มากมาย ถ่ายทอดสด จากสถานที่จริง ให้คุณได้ร่วมเดิมพันไปพร้อมกัน เราเป็นตัวแทนตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ หมดปัญหาเรื่องโดนโกง บริการด้วยความตั้งใจ ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง เพียงเเอดไลน์ : @support66

  19. I am upbeat to locate your recognized method for composing the post. Presently you make it simple for me to comprehend and execute the idea. Much obliged to you for the post. Online shopping

  20. I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. Detain busy, awesome career taksi km ücreti

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *