All Over Albany

The ESP ice rink is open for the season

The ice skating rink on the Empire State Plaza opened for the season Friday.

The rink is open seven days a week, 11 am-8 pm (closed 3-4 pm for maintenance) -- weather permitting. It's free to skate. And skate rentals are $4 / $3 for kids / free on Fridays. A photo ID is required for skate rental.

As in previous years, there are also a series of clinics and special events connected to the rink over the next few months, such as learn-to-skate clinics and try-hockey clinics for various levels. Registration is required for the clinics and they often fill up fast. (The learn-to-skate clinics this Saturday, December are already full.)

The rink often gets busy on weekends. Our favorite time to go is in the evenings during the week. As we've said before, stopping by to skate for an hour after work + dinner someplace downtown = a better than usual Wednesday.

Swinburne Skating Rink
Friday also was opening day for skating rink in Albany's Swinburne Park (map).

Here are the hours and admission/skate rental info...

Swinburne hours of operation
Monday-Thursday: 3-5 pm and 7-9:30 pm
Friday: 3-5 pm and 7-10 pm
Saturday: 12:30-5 pm and 7-10 pm
Sunday public skating: noon-2 pm and 6:15-9:30 pm
Sunday learn to skate and play hockey: 3-4:15 pm

Swinburne admission and rates
Under 18: $.50
18 and over: $1
Senior citizens: $.25
Skate rental: $3
Skate sharpening: $5

AOA is a sponsor of the ESP ice rink.