Governor Cuomo Announces Empire State Plaza Ice Rink to Open December 31

Grand Reopening to Feature Free Skate Rentals and Free Hot Chocolate

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Empire State Plaza ice rink in Albany will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m. Opening day will include figure skating demonstrations as well as free skate rentals and free hot chocolate.

"I am pleased that after being closed for years, this ice rink is once again open to the public," Governor Cuomo said. "The Empire State Plaza is a wonderful asset that deserves to be enjoyed all year round, so I am thrilled that we are able to end this year with such a great event."

The rink was last operated during the winter of 2007-2008 and will be reopened by the Office of General Services this year through a partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the Lake Placid Regional Winter Sports Committee.

“Capital Region families and visitors to the area will have an amazing location to enjoy ice skating starting on New Year’s Eve,” RoAnn Destito, Commissioner, Office of General Services said. “I hope that everyone will take advantage of Saturday’s opening activities including free skate rentals and free hot chocolate.”

“The Lake Placid Regional Winter Sports Commission praises Governor Cuomo for his leadership in supporting winter sport for youth throughout the region and are proud to be a partner in sponsoring the Empire State Plaza Rink,” said Serge Lussi, Chair of the Lake Placid Regional Winter Sports Commission.

Opening Day Activities

Ribbon Cutting and Rink Opening: 11 a.m.

December 31 Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. The rink will be closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. for maintenance.

Cost to Skate: Free

Skate Rental: Free

Skating Demonstration: The Albany Figure Skating Club will conduct figure skating demonstrations at 2 p.m.

Learn to Skate Assistance: The Albany Figure Skating Club will be on the ice at 11 a.m. to help those learning to skate.

Amenities: Full-service snack bar with free hot chocolate courtesy of Sodexo; skate lounge with lockers for personal items; and music.

Starting New Year’s Day, the ice rink will be open every day through early March.

General Rink Information

Hours: Every day from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. The rink will be closed each day from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. for maintenance.

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; skate lounge with lockers for personal items; and music.