This paper presents the comparison by computer simulation of thermal performance of three design alternatives of an ice skating rink. For this purpose, the transient thermal model of a typical section of an indoor ice rink is developed by using a general purpose simulation environment. This study predicts that the conventional design strategy is more energy efficient than the use of cold storage at night under the concrete slab. Therefore, a better energy performance is obtained by turning off the refrigeration system at night, without affecting the quality of ice surface.