Event Will Feature Regional Skate Club Demonstrations by Three Exhibition Teams
 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced that 2022 U.S. national figure skating champion Mariah Bell will make a special appearance at the Empire State Plaza ice rink from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 18.

“The OGS team is proud to continue the tradition of welcoming world-class figure skating champions to the Empire State Plaza ice rink who dazzle us with their performances and inspire the next generation of skaters to fulfill their dreams of successfully competing on the ice,” Commissioner Moy said. “We invite all members of the public to come to the Plaza rink to meet figure skating champion Mariah Bell and take advantage of free skating at one of New York State’s premier winter destinations.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Skating with a U.S. national champion is the kind of unique winter experience only possible in New York, so I LOVE NY is happy to partner with OGS to promote this fun opportunity at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink. Skating together with activities like skiing, snow shoeing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, sampling ice wines and even dog sledding await travelers across the state, and show how easy it is to love New York in winter." 

Bell will be the next in a series of acclaimed figure skaters to meet with fans at the Empire State Plaza rink. The rink has welcomed a host of national skating champions and Olympic medalists over the years, including Kimmie Meissner, Johnny Weir, Ryan Bradley, Sarah Hughes, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Nancy Kerrigan.

The February 18 event will feature figure skating demonstrations at noon by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, Albany Figure Skating Club, and Saugerties Figure Skating Club, followed by a solo performance by Bell, who will remain on the ice for open skating with the public.

After a short break, Bell will hold a rink-side meet-and-greet with fans from 1 to 2 p.m.

Sponsors of Winter at the Plaza events include I LOVE NY, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York

Mariah Bell

Mariah Bell proves there is no time limit when you have determination, a ferocious work ethic and talent. 

At the 2022 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Nashville, Bell skated a spectacular short program and a mesmerizing free skate to k.d. lang’s rendition of “Hallelujah.” At 25, she became the oldest skater in 95 years to capture the women’s national title. With that, Bell also secured a long-awaited spot on the U.S. Olympic team headed to Beijing.

Bell first laced up skates when she was 3, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Morgan. Both girls fell in love with the sport and competed nationally.

Throughout her career, Bell has been one of the most consistent and thrilling U.S. women skaters, earning standing ovations and a loyal fanbase. The crowd went wild for Bell’s lyrical interpretation of “Hallelujah” at the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The audience gave her a standing ovation, and Bell shed tears of joy. Returning to this program for the Olympic year was a natural decision.

Following the 2022 Olympic Winter Games and World Figure Skating Championships, Bell hit the road with “Stars on Ice,” her first time doing a full tour. She described it as an amazing experience made even more special by the enthusiastic audiences.

In October 2022, Mariah announced her retirement from competitive figure skating. She is currently enrolled at the University of North Texas.

Off the ice, Bell enjoys Pilates, running, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her two rabbits and her dog, Nala (named after a lioness in “The Lion King”). She gives back to the community as a Celebrity Champion with the Alzheimer’s Association. Bell is a proud member of Athleta’s Power of She campaign, showcasing the power of women coming together to create social impact through a foundation of health and wellness.

Empire State Plaza ice rink information

• Cost to Skate: Free.
• Skate Rentals: $5. Skate sizes range from child size 8 to adult size 15, subject to availability. A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday.
• Amenities: 25-cent locker rentals, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. The PDT food truck operates rink-side from noon to 7 p.m. each Saturday.