Empire State Plaza skating rink opening
Taking a few turns last year on the ESP.
The ice skating rink at the Empire State Plaza will open this Friday (November 23), the state Office of General Services announced today.
The rink will be open seven days a week from 11 am-8 pm. It's free to skate.
Skate rentals are $3 for kids under 12 / $4 for adults. Each Friday this season will include free skate rentals, thanks to sponsorship by Hannaford. OGS says the lockers and skate rental are now on the plaza level next to the rink.
It's great to see the rink returning for another year. Public spaces are better with people. And it's fun! We went skating a few times after work last winter -- it helps you let go of the hassles from the day.
Info via NYS OGS:
New events this year:
+ Hannaford Supermarkets Free Skate Rental Fridays - No charge for skates from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., every Friday.
+ Sunday, December 2, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. New York State Holiday Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival presented by SEFCU. The rink will be closed during the fireworks and will re-open afterwards.
+ Sunday, December 2, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Learn to Skate Clinic presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York and featuring the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club. Visit ogs.ny.gov to register.
+ Friday, December 7, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Live holiday music with Chris Dukes
+ Friday, December 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Live holiday music with 3 Minute Pop
+ Friday, February 8, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Mascot Mayhem (open skate with your favorite Capital District characters).
+ Learn to Skate Clinics, sponsored by BlueShield of Northeastern New York - The first Saturday of January, February and March from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. No charge for skates for those participating in the clinic. Visit ogs.ny.gov to register.
General Rink Information + Hours: Every day from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., weather dependent.
+ Cost to Skate: Free
+ Skate Rental: $3 for children under 12 and $4 for adults. Skate rental will be available whenever the rink is open.
+ Amenities: Full-service snack bar open Friday nights, weekends and school holidays; skate lounge with lockers for personal items now located at the Plaza level; and music.
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Comments
The Friday free skate rentals make this all the more delightful; I have skates, but this means if I want to skate on my lunch break or right after work, I don't have to cart them with me. :) I'll be there tomorrow!
... said irisira on Nov 22, 2012 at 6:04 AM | link
parking?
... said mike e on Nov 22, 2012 at 9:36 PM | link
Metered parking is not in effect after 6pm and on weekends. There's usually plenty on State or Madison right around the Plaza.
... said B on Nov 25, 2012 at 6:46 PM | link