Artesia, Calif. - Figure skating champion Michelle Kwan has a spectacular new training center to call home. The East West Ice Palace, located in the Los Angeles suburb of Artesia, had its grand opening Monday. Kwan, the five-time world champion and nine-time U.S. champion, will do all her on-ice and off-ice training at the multi-purpose facility.

The East West Ice Palace, located just a few blocks from where the 91 and 605 freeways meet, features a full-size ice surface, complete fitness center, dance and exercise room, locker rooms, pro shop and snack bar.

"I am tremendously excited about what has been created at the East West Ice Palace," said Kwan, who is part of the investment group behind the facility. "The goal was to not only provide a terrific place for people who love skating, but also a place that will offer everyone in the community a variety of activities that will promote health, physical fitness and fun."

In order to accommodate the interests of ice sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, the East West Ice Palace offers recreational skating, skating classes, ice hockey, and figure skating. In-house hockey leagues are also planned. The ice surface, measuring 200 x 85 feet, also can be rented by groups or event planners interested in having exclusive use.

There are plenty of activities for non-skaters as well. The 43,000 square foot facility boasts a state of the art fitness center featuring the latest weight training and cardiovascular equipment, and a mirror-lined studio for dance, aerobics and yoga classes. The fitness center also will offer enhanced fitness training for hockey and figure skaters, family members, and the community at large. Many of the medals, trophies and awards that Kwan has won in her brilliant skating career also will be on display in a special gallery area.

"The East West Ice Palace provides a very unique opportunity for East West Bank to make a difference in the community," said Dominic Ng, chairman, president and CEO of East West Bank. "We are proud to put our name on this state-of-the-art facility, and to join Michelle Kwan in opening the Palace doors to Southern California¡¦s recreational ice sport community."

"The City of Artesia is one big family, and we would like to welcome with open arms the newest addition to our family, the Kwan family," said Artesia Mayor Larry Nelson. "The level of excitement in the city is incredible in anticipation of the opening of this wonderful facility."

The East West Ice Palace is located at 11446 Artesia Blvd in the city of Artesia. For more information, visit www.eastwesticepalace.com or call (562) 809-6200.