It's Skating Time!

Photograph of skaters at Rockefeller Center's rink by Kuniochi 女.

Over the weekend the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink opened up, the first to open in the city for the season. You know what that means, the tree will soon be following (on November 9th) along with the pressure to buy gifts during this time of economic downturn. But let's get back to the skating...here's a guide to the other rinks in the city, soon to open.

Bryant Park: their pond opens up on October 24th, and as always, admission is free.
Prospect Park: Wollman Rink is currently scheduled to open on November 19th, though the date is tentative. Admission is $3-5.
Central Park: Manhattan's Wollman Rink will open on October 20th, with rates ranging from $4.75 to $14.
Central Park: Another rink in the park is Lasker Rink, located mid-park between 106th and 108th Streets. This opens up on October 25th, and rates are $2.25 to $4.50.
Riverbank Ice Skating Rink: Located on the Hudson River at 145th Street, Riverbank (which is covered) opens in November. Rates are $3-5.

And there's always the Sky Rink in Chelsea Piers, which recently collapsed! They're offering a Columbus Day special today, with $10 admission and free skate rentals. Get your routines ready!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on October 13, 2008 3:05 PM

Comments [rss]

MrCow

hockey skates gouging the ice? figure skates gouge too! have you SEEN the toe picks?

lucyvanpelt

Spiny -

No offense at all intended, but please, please DON'T get hockey skates, unless you're a seasoned pro and know how to skate on them without gouging the ice. Get figure or generic/all-purpose (read: LL Bean) skates instead.

Every rink I've been to in NYC has some sort of issue with maintaining their Zambonis, so they mostly work like crap. This is the only city I've skated in where the ice is often WORSE after a routine resurfacing, and skating on deep ridges is negative fun.

Spiny

$12? Damn. Time for me to invest in a pair of hockey skates.

colonelcasey

It's too bad The Pond in Bryant Park is now up to $12 for skate rentals. I remember when it used to be about $7 for rentals. At least it's still cheaper than Wollman.