PPG Ice Rink opening in November in Pittsburgh

Lace up your skates: The PPG Ice Rink is opening.

Although Light Up Night has been canceled because of the covid-19 pandemic, the annual debut of the skating rink will be the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Located in PPG Plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, the rink will be open Nov. 20 through March 1. The rink is managed by Magic Ice USA, based in Florida. Company president Byron Sharp said he and his team have taken all the necessary requirements to open safely. They are using timed ticketing to control the number of people on the ice.

“We are looking for a strong and safe season,” he said.

Sharp added that Pittsburgh was one of the first outdoor rinks for his company, which manages rinks across the country.

“It’s like our little baby,” he said. “Pittsburgh is near and dear to us. It’s a flagship location. We realize that a number of events that have become the fabric of Pittsburgh will not take place. We hope to make the holiday season a little brighter with ice skating for everyone.”

Richard Hooper, vice president of marketing and communications for Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said it’s exciting to have the rink as an activity this winter, especially during the holidays, when the city and the rink will be decorated.

“Skating around a 65-foot lighted tall lighted tree is a unique opportunity to experience some holiday magic through one of Downtown Pittsburgh’s great holiday traditions,” Hooper said. “With safety protocols well in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and outdoor activities continuing to provide the safest options this year, this a cornerstone attraction that we know will bring the joy and wonder to all who visit.”

The rink is larger than the one in Rockefeller Center in New York City, according to its website, and 2/3 the size of a National Hockey League rink.

It opened in December 2001 and was replaced with a larger surface in 2015. The $1 million ice rink is 116 feet by 116 feet, which is 25% bigger.

PPG Place is owned by Highwoods Properties

Ticketing will be done online to control crowd size. There will be certain protocols in place, such as waiting in line six feet apart, wearing masks and temperature checks.

Annual happenings such as the annual Princess, Superhero and Skate with former Pittsburgh Penguin Phil Bourque will be determined.

A Valentine’s Day skate will be held Feb. 14.

Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and $10 for seniors and military. Skate rental is $5.

The rink will be open seven days a week.