OGS Announces Opening Week Events for Winter at the Plaza

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the Empire “Skate” Plaza ice rink will open at noon on Friday, December 6, weather permitting, and the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.

The rink will once again play a major role in a series of free events and activities planned for the Plaza this season, which will kick off with the first Learn to Skate clinic presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York on Saturday, December 7, and the New York State Holiday Tree Lighting, also presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York, on Sunday, December 8.

The Empire State Plaza ice rink will feature free skate rentals each Saturday of the 2019-20 season, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. The first Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday will be held on December 7.

“Governor Cuomo is a strong supporter of the exceptional winter activities available here in Albany and throughout New York State. Team OGS puts in a tremendous amount of effort each year to make the Empire ‘Skate’ Plaza a fabulous winter destination for members of the community and visitors to have fun and stay active during the winter months,” OGS Commissioner Destito said. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, this year’s Winter at the Plaza will be another season full of exciting events and activities. I encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday season with their neighbors and friends at the Plaza tree lighting and fireworks ceremony on December 8.”

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner, and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the opening of the Empire State Plaza ice rink is one of the Capital Region’s many winter traditions that invite people to explore and celebrate the season.”

“As a community-based health plan, BlueShield is excited to kick off another season of ice skating at Empire State Plaza,” said Keith Dolan, Vice President, Regional Executive for BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “We’re looking forward to lacing up our skates and sharing this winter tradition with the community again this year.”

“All of us at Hannaford are excited to begin another winter season in partnership with the New York State Office of General Services,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Brian Fabre. “Our free skate rental program grows in popularity each year and we are excited to once again provide families and individuals of all ages with access to an affordable and healthy outdoor winter activity.”

Opening Week Schedule of Events:

• Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opening Day, Friday, December 6, noon – 8 p.m.
• First Learn to Skate Clinic of the season presented by BlueShield of Northeastern New York and hosted by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club. Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – noon. Additional clinics will be offered on January 4, February 1, and March 7. Online pre-registration is required at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. Please remember to dress the young skaters up in warm clothes, hats, gloves, and socks.
• First Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday of the season, December 7.
• New York State Holiday Tree Lighting presented BlueShield of Northeastern New York, Sunday, December 8, noon – 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with indoor and outdoor activities the family is sure to love. Outdoor activities will include a daytime rock-and-skate with live music, skating demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, performances by Tuba Christmas, and carriage rides. Food vendors Mosall’s and DC’s Pizza will also be there, and Stewart’s Shops will be sampling locally sourced premium and light eggnog at the ice rink while supplies last. Indoors, at Cornerstone at the Plaza, there will be arts and crafts making with the Albany Tulip Queen, performances by the Capital Area Flute Club, and opportunities to visit with Santa. The official tree lighting and fireworks ceremony, hosted by the News 10 ABC Morning Team, will start at 5:15 p.m., and, for the first time, people will be able to watch the fireworks from inside Cornerstone where refreshments and adult beverages will be sold.
• Taste NY Holiday Market, Sunday, December 8, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., New York State Museum. This is a free event that offers people an opportunity to shop for and sample made-in-New York food and beverages from dozens of vendors, including hand-crafted beer, wine, and spirits, cheese, chocolate, apple and maple products, and other edible goodies.

Ice Rink Information:

• Hours:  Noon to 8 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. Closed 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and both 2 – 3 p.m. and 5 – 6 p.m. on weekends for maintenance.
• Cost to skate: Free
• Skate Rentals: $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday.
• Amenities: Lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets and ice walkers/trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.

For rink status updates, and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.

For event information including parking, directions, and ground rules visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov.

Sponsors of Winter at the Plaza events include Blueshield of Northeastern NY, Hannaford Supermarkets, I LOVE NY, Renaissance Albany Hotel, MVP Health Care, CDTA, Geico, National Grid, New York Lottery, Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, OrthoNY, New York State of Health, SEFCU, Hudson Valley Community College, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, El Mariachi, NYS AFL-CIO, Stewart’s Shops, Sunmark Federal Credit Union, The