The Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, which manages the city’s public ice rink, announced a shift in game start times from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and the creation of an entry‑level E division for the upcoming season.
League captains, including Scott Schulman and Jake Wiskel, have voiced strong opposition, warning that the half‑hour delay and new tiering could alienate experienced players who juggle family commitments and long commutes.
Subhajeet Seve Ghose, the conservancy’s executive director, defended the changes as a strategy to broaden access for youth and beginners, but his office has been criticized for implementing the plan without sufficient consultation.
About 500 participants, many of whom are transplants who found community on the rink, argue that the new schedule is impractical, especially for those balancing work, school and family responsibilities.
Potential player exodus looms
Some members, such as Sarah‑Rose Lancaster, have said they may leave the league or join an all‑women’s team in San Mateo if the dispute remains unresolved.
The tension reflects a broader pattern of scheduling conflicts that resurfaced during the pandemic, when late‑night games saw higher no‑show rates.
With negotiations still open, the league’s leadership is weighing concessions, including a 25 % discount offered by Ghose for captains who consider moving to Oakland’s co‑ed league, though many remain skeptical.
The upcoming season is set to begin on Monday, with 20 teams vying for 30 available slots, but the final schedule will only be confirmed after further dialogue between the conservancy and the captains.