Ice on the Landing, the temporary ice-skating rink that proved so popular last season, will return to the Chattanooga Green at Ross’s Landing on Friday, Nov. 20.
That’s a week earlier than last year’s opening, and this year’s rink will be almost twice as big – 60 by 100 feet versus 50 by 70 feet. The rink is scheduled to be open through Monday, Jan. 18.
This year’s debut will start at 6 p.m., but those who come early will see a display by professional skaters Breelie Taylor, Zac Hagen, Soucci Taylor and Rahly Osenbaugh at 5:30 p.m.
Carla Pritchard, owner of Chattanooga Presents, previously told the Times Free Press that upgrades this year will include more rental skates, a bigger tent/staging area, a larger tent for hosting birthday parties and improved landscaping to better handle the melting ice and make the site look better, such as decking around the perimeter to provide walkways.
Other upgrades include better lighting, three fire pits and more seating for people who simply want to watch.
Magic Ice USA of Orlando, Fla., is providing the rink, skates, tents and staff. Skates can be rented as part of the admission fee, which is $10 for anyone over 12 and $8 for younger skaters. That price buys two hours of ice time. A season pass for unlimited time on the ice is available for $100.
A volunteer Ice Patrol of experienced skaters will be on hand to offer tips to novices. Pritchard says Bill Matthews, who helped at the rink last year, will offer a four-week skills course on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Starting out, the rink will be open 2-9 pm. Monday-Wednesday, 2-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. The schedule will change on holidays and during winter break for schools. The rink will be open on all upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Appearances by Santa Claus and special themes benefiting local nonprofits also will be included in the schedule. A limited number of food and drink vendors will be on hand as well.