PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- It is time to Think Rink, as a favorite winter tradition in Philadelphia, the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing opens for its 11th anniversary season on Thanksgiving weekend. With only three months of ice skating fun, the Blue Cross RiverRink is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors in a way that is good fun and good for you too!
The Blue Cross RiverRink will re-open officially at 12 Noon on Friday, November 26, 2004 with the first public skating session of the season. Featuring an Olympic size rink and an 80'x150' warming pavilion, the Blue Cross RiverRink, located on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing at Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street, opens with a celebration and free activities for kids. Star Philadelphia Football player, Jon Runyan will make a special appearance from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. $1 from each skating admission will be donated to Variety-the Children's Charity on behalf of Jon Runyan. Every person who skates during the Opening Weekend celebration will receive a complimentary ticket to come back again.
Penn's Landing Corporation is committed to continuing its partnership with Variety-the Children's Charity (formally known as the Variety Club) with a unique opportunity for children with disabilities. For the fourth consecutive year, Blue Cross RiverRink Opening weekend festivities will include a special sled skating session and party for Variety Club kids on Sunday, November 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 12 Noon. Sled skating allows children with lower limb disabilities to sit on a sled, which has blades on the bottom. They control the sled skate by propelling themselves with hockey sticks along the ice. This year, the Blue Cross RiverRink will expand this specialized program. Developmentally challenged children will also have an opportunity to try ice-skating in a private session, customized for their needs.
Throughout the morning, the children -- who rarely have the opportunity to ice skate, let alone on a public rink -- will be treated to fun on the ice. The Sled Skating program and special sessions for developmentally challenged children will continue throughout the season on Sunday mornings.
The second season of "Battle of the Bands!" will premiere on Sunday November 28 from 6-9 p.m. The Blue Cross RiverRink Pavilion will be converted to every up and coming band's dream . . . a performing space for great, new talent. Friends and family are invited to cheer them on and help discover great new talent!
"Skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink has become a tradition for many families over the past decade," said Joseph Brooks, acting president of Penn's Landing Corporation. "With a perfect view of the majestic Delaware River and the mighty Ben Franklin Bridge, ice-skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink is a great way to get the whole family outdoors to enjoy fresh air and healthy wintertime fun. With only 81 days to skate, we hope everyone comes to the Blue Cross RiverRink to create their own wintertime traditions and memories."
Regular skating session hours are Monday to Thursday evenings from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 6-8 p.m., 8:30-10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 12:30-2:30 p.m. 3-5:30 p.m. 6-8 p.m., 8:30-10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m, Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3-5:30 p.m., and 6-9 p.m. Special Holiday Hours are available at www.riverrink.com. Skating admission is extremely affordable at only $6 and skate rental is available for $3. Convenient parking is also available on site for only $6.
The rink season also features a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night from 9-Midnight. Skating Lessons are available on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon. Special Sled Skating Sessions for people with disabilities are every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until 12 Noon. Children's activities are for special themed events on scheduled weekends. To make a reservation for skating lessons or sled skating sessions, call 215-925-RINK.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other supporters include: PNC Bank and The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink is located on Festival Pier at Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street. For more information on skating sessions, ice skating lessons, birthday parties or private receptions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354