As skaters glide along the ice, they will encircle a 360-degree immersive tree that lights up and plays music.

The 60-foot-high structure is decorated with more than 103,200 lights and thousands of ornaments. The tree has a sophisticated computer programming system.

Friday is opening day for the newly-named UPMC Rink at PPG Place in Downtown Pittsburgh. Located in PPG Plaza, between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, the rink is larger than the one in Rockefeller Center in New York City, according to its website.

It will be open through Feb. 27.

“It is going to be phenomenal,” said Andy Wisniewski, senior vice president for the Pittsburgh Division of Highwoods Properties, which owns PPG Place. “This is unique for Pittsburgh. Skaters and Downtown guests will experience skating around the ultimate holiday tree.”

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This is its 21st season for the rink, one of the first outdoor rinks for Florida-based Magic Ice USA, which manages rinks across the country. More than 1 million people have skated there.

“UPMC is the ideal dedicated community partner for Pittsburgh’s unique destination attraction,” said Wisniewski. “The UPMC Rink at PPG Place is a special experiential gathering place where memories are created for all ages.”

The rink’s tree was installed in October to make sure it was working properly. It can perform more than 150 choreographed musical shows, which skaters can watch while on the ice as well as during Zamboni resurfacing.

The tree’s early appearance allowed for plenty of time to build the rink, said Byron Sharp, president of Magic Ice USA, which was acquired by Everything Ice of Johnstown.

“The rink and tree will complement each other,” he said. “Highwoods Properties had the foresight to update the tree and add to the holiday experience in Downtown Pittsburgh. I believe more people will want to visit PPG Place and the entire Downtown area.”

Courtesy of Zoey Ward family Six-year-old cancer survivor Zoey Ward of Beaver Falls will light the official tree by the Rink at PPG Place.  

The inaugural tree lighting will be Friday, the traditional day for Light Up Night, which was moved to Saturday.

The RMU Island Sports Ice Figure Skating Show is at 4:45 p.m. followed by a performance by East End Kids at 5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the American Cancer Society’s Tribute of Light Ceremony will start. The inaugural lighting of the tree will take place at 6 p.m. by Zoey Ward, a 6-year-old cancer survivor from Beaver Falls. Musical performances will be between 9 and 10 p.m.

“Downtown Pittsburgh will be alive and well for the holiday season,” said Wisniewski. “The ice rink and the tree will definitely be a perfect selfie spot. We have had wedding proposals there in the past, so I would think we have some more this year. It’s the perfect backdrop.”

John Burley, owner of Everything Ice, said he hopes the rink and tree will create memorable experiences.

“This area will be the centerpiece to the city,” said Ida D’Errico, who is handling the publicity for PPG Place. “It will become a signature attraction. PPG Place is Downtown’s winter playground. You see people of all ages from couples and families to groups of friends and hockey skaters. It’s a wonderful winter activity.”

The rink will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

The Ho Ho Holiday Skate with Santa! is Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Additional events will be announced.

Admission is $12 for adults and $11 for children. Tickets can be purchased here.

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