Under brilliant sunshine or glowing starlight, enjoy the state’s best outdoor ice skating at Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY. Whether you are going on a first date or taking the family out for something fun, the winter months are the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some ice skating. But what if you don’t live near a lake? The solution: Outdoor Ice Skating at Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. Skaters can enjoy the warmth of the sun or the light of the stars at this fully outdoor skating rink.
Starting on December 6 the rink at Empire State Plaza will be open every day except for Mondays. Tuesday – Friday the rink is open from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm, closes flor an hour for maintenance, and reopens at 2:30 pm and remains open until 6:00 pm. On the weekends, the rink is open from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Hours at the rink are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Opening Day on December 6 will be a fun filled day to celebrate the season’s first skate. At 4:00 pm DJ MR CEO will be there for “Rock-N-Skate” as you enjoy some music while you glide along the ice.
Throughout the season, catch one of the Learn to Skate Clinics presented by Highmark Blue Shield. These clinics are available on December 7, January 4, February 1, and March 1.
Be sure to stay up to date on the website as more events are announced,
Skating at Albany’s Empire State Plaza is free! Skate rentals are available on site for $5.00. Skates range in size from child size 8 up to adult size 12. On Saturdays, enjoy Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday where you can skate for no cost at all!
Lockers are available for rent to store any belongings for a mere 25 cents.
Construction begins on the rink sometime in mid-August, a long time before most people feel the urge to go skating. The maintenance crew behind the Outdoor Ice Skating at Empire State Plaza meticulously plans for the season ahead to ensure the experience at their rink will be an unforgettable one. To keep the ice between a cool 18 and 24 degrees, a team of engineers and carpenters run tubing underneath the boards that hold up the rink. Laser-technology is used to make sure the rink is completely level; one small bump could send a skater flying. A state-of-the-art lighting and sound system illuminates the rink at night while skaters listen to a variety of music chosen by the staff.
Skate outside via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Rensselaer, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Empire State Plaza is 2.3 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Station. Ride sharing and taxi service is available outside the station.
Enterprise has car rentals available at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Use the New York By Rail NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car discount. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany office today at 518-427-3893
The CDTA bus service also runs to Albany-Rensselaer Station, making it a convenient way to get around Albany. Use the on-demand CDTA Flex+ Service available outside the train station through the “Ride Pingo” app. Click here for more information..
The capital region has tons to offer!
