The ice skating rink at the Empire State Plaza opens for the 2013-2014 season this next week
Update: The opening of the rink has been postponed to December 7 because of weather. (Thanks, Ron.)
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We've mentioned this a few times, but it bears repeating as its own post: The ice skating rink at the Empire State Plaza opens for the season this Friday, November 29.
The rink -- located at the Capitol end of the ESP, near The Egg -- will be open 11 am-8 pm daily, weather permitting, until the end of the season (probably mid March). Skating is free. Skate rentals are $4 for adults / $3 kids 12 and under -- and every Friday is free rental day.
The skating rink also hosts a handful of events during the season, including popular (and free) learn-to-skate clinics. The first one is this Saturday. Pre-registration is required and they fill up fast. Also this season: a few "rock and skate" sessions featuring live music.
Tip: If you're worried about crowds, try stopping by after work during the weekday, if you can. Taking a few turns on the ice has a way of making it easier to release the stress from all those TPS reports.
This winter will be the third season since the ice skating rink was restored followed budget cuts a few years back. It's one of those things that's worth doing at least once during the winter. The fun-to-cost ratio is very high.
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Comments
EVERY year I say I'm going to go and do this and I NEVER have. And I have lived here practically my entire life. This year it is number 1 on my winter to-do list!!!
... said Kelly on Nov 25, 2013 at 10:22 PM | link
From the link:
November 30: Learn to Skate Clinic
Please note: Due to the delay in the opening of the Plaza Ice Rink, the Learn to Skate clinic scheduled for this day has been cancelled.
The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink opening has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m. – weather permitting. The rink was originally scheduled to open on Friday November 29, but is being postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions currently being forecast. The learn Learn-to-Skate clinic scheduled for November 30 has been cancelled and participants are encouraged to register for clinics being held later in the season presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York.
... said Ron on Nov 26, 2013 at 10:58 AM | link
Where does one park legally to use the rink on the weekends?
It seems like this is another attraction to lure people into Albany so the police and tow companies can feed on them.
... said Keith on Dec 8, 2013 at 11:27 PM | link