The Empire State Plaza ice skating rink is set to open for the 2016-2017 season soon

posted Nov 17, 2016
ESP ice rink agency buildings at night

The ice skating rink at the Empire State Plaza is set to open for the new season December 2 (weather permitting), the state Office of General Services announced Thursday.

As in recent years past, the rink will be open seven days a week from 11 am to 8 pm (closed 3-4 pm for maintenance). And it's free to skate. Skate rental is $4 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under / and free on Fridays. (A photo ID is required for skate rental.)

Also again this season, there's a series of free learn-to-skate clinics. The first is December 3. These clinics require pre-registration and often fill up fast.

We try to make it over to the ESP to skate a few times each winter. The rink can get crowded on the weekends. But we've found the weekday evenings are often not crowded. And if you pair an evening skate with dinner downtown somewhere, that's a pretty good Wednesday (or Tuesday or whatever day). Also: It's a beautiful scene taking turns around the rink with the buildings lit up.

OGS has also announced the lineup of winter events at the ESP, including the tree lighting, which is December 4 this year.

AOA is a media sponsor of the ESP ice skating rink.

1 comment
tags: ESP, stuff to do

Comments

Can't wait to get my hot chocolate at Daily Grind and pop on those skates :)

... said Rich on Nov 18, 2016 at 2:59 PM | link

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine