By Amir Galban
Staff Writer
It’s officially the holidays, a time where people look for fun activities to celebrate winter. On Dec. 1, the Empire State Plaza’s seasonal ice rink made its grand opening. In the heart of downtown Albany lies one of the most popular attractions in the city with skyscrapers and parks within the Empire State Plaza built in 1965. Many events and activities are held here such as the tree lighting, July 4 fireworks, food truck events, and more. The first opening for the rink was in 1976 but wasn’t always an annual activity based on lack of government support. Since then, the rink has become one of the primetime destinations for anyone living or visiting Albany. The plaza’s ice rink is open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 8:30 p.m. This year, it is $5 to rent skates for all customers, and just like every year, Saturdays are free thanks to the partnership the plaza has with Price Chopper to provide a meaningful experience. Festive music is played, while the skaters can request for songs at any time to skate during their favorite music.
Employees at the rink take advantage of the space and try to create fun activities for everyone. “To me the ice rink benefits the community by giving them something else to do and not just sit at home or get into gang violence. For example, there’s a lot of after school programs that don’t have after school programs that are free; instead of that, they can come learn to skate or enjoy time with their families to make memories,” said Bradesha Coles, fifth year employee at the ice rink. The ice rink also created special skating clinics for kids age two and adults to age 75 on every first Saturday of the month. Professional figure skaters are here to give good advice for skating to become a lifelong hobby. One of the professionals on the ice has been skating since a child and is here for her second full season. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a job. This place benefits the community. Many people who come here are new and not well trained, but they come and are vulnerable in front of strangers, which I think is a beautiful showing of community,” said Brie Morrison. One of the managers at the rink described why he thought the Empire State Plaza is a great choice for ice skating. “I think communication is key. Having our weather closure special events and special hours are out there on social media, @plazaevents on Instagram and the Empire State Plaza website. The community will always know what’s going on,” says Don Denyse.
The first day it was a “light day” with about 50 people overall. On Saturday, the first skate clinic was held where there were at least 100 kids before the first session at 10 a.m. By noon, adults and kids rolled in at a steady pace as it was not as busy as previous year’s Saturdays. The plaza did 680 rentals that accumulated to over 1000 skaters at the facility throughout. As the season continues, weather permitting, the ice rink at the Empire State Plaza is ready to make your acquaintance.
