Penguins To Build Outdoor Ice Rink On South Side
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A crowd favorite from last year's Winter Classic over at Heinz Field is set to return to the city later this year, but this time it will be set up in a different location.
The Winter Classic hosted in Pittsburgh last winter drew thousands of people to the North Shore, and the community rink built in the Stage AE parking lot was huge attraction.
Afterwards, there were rumors that the Penguins may do it again, and sure enough they are.
"The public rink was so successful; we had so much demand for it that we decided to do it again this year," Penguins CEO David Morehouse said." Kind of make it the legacy of the Winter Classic in Pittsburgh."
This year, the rink will be built at 26th Street and Sidney Street on Pittsburgh's South Side and will be open to the public. It will also play host to youth hockey league games.
The Penguins are working with the Soffer Organization and the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority to build the rink.
Construction will begin later this month with a goal to have skaters on the ice by Nov. 18. It will remain open until Jan. 8.
"I think it sounds fabulous. I think people will come down and enjoy it," Molly Braffet, a local resident, said. "I think it will be a lot of fun for families."
"Well that's terrific," added Tony Papariella, of the South Side. "That would be great for people to come out and kids and do their thing here."
Morehouse is also hoping that this won't be just a lap around the rink, but that people will stay to explore the neighborhood and all it has to offer.
"It's definitely good for business. It'll bring a lot of people into the SouthSide Works," said Morehouse. "It's also good for us; just a great place around the holidays with all the shops and restaurants and parking access."
The Penguins are hoping to make this an annual thing.
The location on the South Side will allow them to keep the rink open longer, while last year it was only open for 10 days due to football and other events.
Public Skating Hours will be as follows:
In-School Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Holiday Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 1 p.m. - midnight
- Sunday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Penguins to put up outdoor ice rink at SouthSide Works"
More Penguins News
