Heather Groll 518-474-5987 | heather.groll@ogs.ny.gov
November 19, 2015
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OGS ANNOUNCES WINTER AT THE PLAZA EVENTS AND ACTIVITIESEmpire “Skate” Plaza Ice Rink to Open December 4 and Feature Free Skate Rentals, Courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets; Online Registration for First Learn-To-Skate Clinic Now Open |
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New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the Empire State Plaza ice rink will open at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 4, weather permitting. The rink will once again play a major role in a series of free events planned for the Plaza this season, including the annual holiday tree lighting presented by SEFCU on Sunday, December 6.
The rink will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, and skating is always free. Lockers and skate rental are located on the Plaza level adjacent to the rink. Each Friday, including opening day, will feature free skate rentals, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. Also, BlueShield of Northeastern New York will sponsor a series of learn-to-skate clinics.
“There is always a great sense of excitement and anticipation each fall when people see members of the OGS team start assembling the Empire State Plaza skating rink and realize the opening day of free skating and then the holiday tree lighting are just around the corner,” Commissioner Destito said. “The rink offers our neighbors in the Capital Region and visitors from all over the world a place to be active and attend family friendly events throughout the winter months. That wouldn’t be possible without the support we receive from I Love NY, Hannaford Supermarkets, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, and all of our other generous sponsors.”
“I LOVE NEW YORK is excited to once again partner with the Office of General Services to offer access to fun events and free skating all season long at the Empire State Plaza ice rink,” said Empire State Development Executive Director of Tourism Gavin Landry.
“Ice skating at the Empire State Plaza is one of the Capital Region’s most beloved winter traditions. Hannaford Supermarkets is thrilled to partner with the New York State Office of General Services to offer free skate rentals each Friday throughout the season at this amazing ice rink,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “We encourage families to visit the Empire State Plaza this winter to experience a wonderful seasonal pastime that crosses generations and allows people of all ages to get some fresh air and stay active throughout the cold weather months.”
"BlueShield is excited to welcome Capital Region families onto the ice this winter as the presenting sponsor of the Empire State Plaza ice rink Learn to Skate clinics," said Dr. Kirk Panneton, Regional Executive and Medical Director of BlueShield. “Since 2011 we have helped over 1000 children and adults learn to ice skate. The stability, control and strength involved in ice skating are a fun part of this healthy activity that is great exercise for people of all ages and abilities.”
Schedule Highlights of Free Rink Events:
General Rink Information
Paid visitor parking is available in the V-lot under the Empire State Plaza. Free parking in the East Garage on Philip Street off Madison Avenue is available after 5 p.m.
For updates on any of the above listed events visit the Empire State Plaza Events page on Facebook, follow @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759. For additional information about Winter at the Plaza events, including directions, parking, and ground rules, visit www.ogs.ny.gov.
Winter at the Plaza sponsors include I Love NY, Hannaford Supermarkets, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, CDTA, Albany Jewish Community Center, Garelick Farms, GEICO, SEFCU, Hudson Valley Community College, Stewart’s, Sunmark Federal Credit Union, El Mariachi, Siena Athletics, Albany.com, Alloveralbany.com, Times Union, PYX 106, and 99.5 The River.
Sponsors of the tree lighting include SEFCU, Hannaford Supermarkets, MetLife, National Grid, New York Lottery, Sunmark Federal Credit Union, Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, Schenectady County Community College, Oldies 98.3, Times Union, Albany.com, and Alloveralbany.com.
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