The owner of U.S. Ice Sports Complex in Fairview Heights is optimistic that the rink will reopen and told customers to hold onto their passes.

But the doors remained locked Monday after the facility closed last week due to mine subsidence damage to the building and the ice rinks.

The complex closed Oct. 9 and all activities were suspended until further notice, according to Leon Lekai, manager of U.S. Ice LLC, the company that owns and manages the complex.

Advisors from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and structural engineers continue to survey the damage and assess the safety of facility, Lekai stated.

Workers have begun repairs to the damage and will begin preventative maintenance to stop further damage, according to Lekai.

He said he is optimistic that the complex will reopen in the future and encouraged customers to hold on to all coupons and passes.

The damage from a mine settling beneath the complex was discovered and evaluated Oct. 8.

Lekai said it could take several weeks to analyze the extent of the mine collapse that caused damage to the building and develop an estimate on how long the ground will continue to subside.

The 75,000-square-foot facility, located at 125 S. Ruby Lane, has two National Hockey League-sized rinks and holds many activities, like men's and youth hockey leagues, church groups, public sessions and private rentals.

The complex opened in May 1998. It was built with the help of a $575,000 investment from the city. That loan was paid off in 2006.

The complex has locker rooms, two ice rinks, concession stands, a vending area, a pro shop, a video game room, party room and a business office.

Hockey season and ice-skating season will soon be in full swing, but Lekai said he does not have a time frame for when the complex may reopen.