The ground under the ice rink was compacted, leveled and prepared to serve as a firm foundation for the thousands of pounds of ice it supported. You can see the area in the scarring that remained when the rubble was cleared.

Even years later, the ground is still firm. Seen here on is the Ice Chalet on Feburary 2nd, 2008: (notice the water collecting in the area)

Remembering the Marketplace of the Midsouth

Scarred

Ground Scarring