Seasonal ice skating in Santa Monica

For the second year in a row, Santa Monica’s seasonal ice rink ‘ICE’ will be opening on Fifth Street on 7th November.

Starbucks Coffee has just been announced as the sponsor for the second year running, and will provide complimentary tall, hot beverages with ICE Admission Bracelets (to a participating Los Angeles or Orange County Starbucks). The ice rink will be significantly larger this year, and will continue for longer into January 2009.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend time together, it’s great exercise and it turned out to be a really wonderful community event”, said Kathleen Rawson, executive director of the non-profit Bayside District, which manages the rink.

“We are so thrilled to welcome Starbucks Coffee Company back as sponsor of the ICE at Santa Monica rink this year. They were such a wonderful partner last year, helping us stage exciting events and supporting all of our efforts on behalf of the Santa Monica community. We look forward to another outstanding holiday season”. Last year the ice-skating rink was just under 6,000 square feet, but this year it will be just over 7,500 square feet, due to popular demand.

Last year the rink attracted approximately 30,000 skaters over 47 days, and almost triple that number came to watch the fun. Over 40,000 skaters are anticipated this year because the rink will be open several weeks longer and is bigger. The décor has been enhanced to include even more holiday lights and sparkle this year, and the rink will run via renewable energy sources in an effort to minimize the impact on the environment.

ICE will run from November 7, 2008, to January 19, 2009, and will be open daily from 10am to 10pm with an admission of USD$10 (skate rental included), so as to be affordable for all the family.

For more information, log on to Santamonica.com.