Fans and families in the Quad Cities have a unique opportunity to show gratitude to America’s service members. The Quad City Storm announced a free “Paint the Ice” event at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, inviting the public to write the names of friends, family and loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Event details
The activity runs through Monday, with the ice open for writing until 7 p.m. on that day. All necessary supplies – paint markers, brushes and protective gloves – will be provided by the organization, so participants need only bring a name and a willingness to honor those who protect our nation.
Why the event matters
According to the Storm’s media release, the names will remain on the ice throughout the weekend and will be featured prominently during the team’s “Salute to Military Night” on Saturday. The night’s program includes a special pre‑game ceremony, patriotic music and a tribute video that highlights the contributions of local service members.
Community response
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “My husband served in the Army, and it means a lot to see his name on the ice where the whole community can see it,” said Karen Miller, a Moline resident who plans to attend on Saturday. The Storm’s outreach coordinator, Jason Lee, noted that the event is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the team and the Quad Cities community, especially those with military connections.
How to participate
Anyone can join the event free of charge. Attendees are asked to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on Saturday when the Salute to Military Night draws larger audiences. The arena’s staff will guide participants to designated sections of the rink where the paint can be applied safely without damaging the playing surface.
Looking ahead
The Quad City Storm hopes the Paint the Ice event will become an annual tradition, encouraging ongoing recognition of service members and fostering a sense of unity among fans, families and the broader community. Future plans may include additional military‑focused activities, such as meet‑and‑greets with veterans and charitable drives supporting military families.
For more information, visit the Quad City Storm’s official website or follow their social‑media channels for updates on event times and any special guest appearances.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
