The Indiana/World Skating Academy and Research Center (I/WSA) was a not-for-profit foundation established in Indianapolis in 1987 and governed by a board of directors chosen by several civic organizations and local universities. The I/WSA facility, located at , housed two rinks that have been used by skaters from all over the world. The Olympic Rink was one of the few 100-by-200-foot international-sized ice surfaces in the United States. The American Rink was an 85-by-200-foot National Hockey League-sized surface bordered by seating for 1,000 spectators.
A “Learn-to-Skate” program at I/WSA guided students of all ages in basic skating skills through advanced moves in figures, freestyle, ice dance, power skating, and precision skating. It offered more advanced and extensive competitive training in figure skating, , and speed skating. Daily patch and freestyle sessions and Olympic training camps were conducted for figure skaters.
The Indiana Ice, a member of the United States Hockey League, used the American Rink as a training facility. The team also sponsored Indianapolis Junior Ice, an elite level of Junior “A” Hockey in the North American Junior Hockey League. The Indiana Select Youth Hockey Association offered hockey competitions, and the Indy Speed Skating Club hosted meets in the Olympic-size rink.
The Human Performance Laboratory in the research center was the site of sports medicine and science programs. The latest techniques in biochemics, fitness and conditioning, nutrition, and sports psychology helped skaters achieve their potential.
The I/WSA struggled financially in the early 21st century. While there were a handful of attempts to maintain the use of the skating rinks by other groups (such as the Indiana Ice hockey team), the I/WSA suspended its activities in 2013, and daily operational responsibility for the rinks shifted to Pan Am Sports Incorporated. The American Rink has been rebranded as the Pan Am Pavilion, a live music and events venue for the city. The Olympic-size rink is used for storage.
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