PHILADELPHIA, March 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- After twelve years on Philadelphia's waterfront and the only outdoor ice skating facility in this region, the team at the Blue Cross RiverRink are claiming victory with one of the most successful seasons in the past half decade. The Blue Cross RiverRink closed for the season on February 28, 2006.
This year, the Blue Cross RiverRink re-opened for its 12th season at its original location on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. "Due to the development interest in Festival Pier, Penn's Landing Corporation staff worked quickly to relocate the Blue Cross RiverRink to Columbus Boulevard and Market Street in October 2005," comments Joseph Forkin, Vice-President of Operations. However, constructing the Rink at the original site, took teamwork and months of planning.
The Blue Cross RiverRink will permanently stay at the Market Street location, ensuring that the rink will always have spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline, and be closer to attractions on South Street and Old City. Forkin continues, "The new location and improved amenities were well received by longtime rink visitors and proved to be an asset to the surrounding communities." The transition from the winter session to summer session will be seamless with this location.
Fighting the winter doldrums can be tough for any family in the Northeast region, and the Blue Cross RiverRink was "a healthy way to enjoy winter." Throughout the season, the marketing efforts encouraged families to get off the couch and enjoy the fresh air and health benefits from ice-skating. Since health and well being is a topic on everyone's minds these days, the message proved effective with more than 50,000 skaters crossing the ice this season.
"With more than 200,000 visitors to the new facility this season, the continued success of the Blue Cross RiverRink proves it remains a vital component of the economic development engine of this region," 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."
Special events, free activities, and additional entertainment are what make the Blue Cross RiverRink the ultimate destination for Philadelphia families each winner. Attracting more than 200,000 visitors to the Rink (skaters and spectators), highlights of this year's season included:
-- Annual Partnership with the Variety - the Children's Charity
for their Sled Skating Program. This year's program was expanded
to included kids with not only physical disabilities, but also
developmental disabilities.
-- Sold Out New Year's Eve Party On Ice, where hundreds skated under
the stars and welcomed in the New Year with a spectacular
fireworks program over the Delaware River.
-- Introduction of a new and free special event - Healthy Kids Fest
-- The return of traditional events and free activities and special
events including favorites like Skate with Santa, Skate with
Sinatra, and the Chocolate Festival.
Great programs like Good Skates and the Variety-the Children's Charity Sled Skating Program are made possible by the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink, Independence Blue Cross. Other sponsors include Lukoil, NBC 10 and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The thirteenth anniversary season for the Blue Cross RiverRink will open on November 24, 2006. Please visit www.riverrink.com for more details.
The Blue Cross RiverRink logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=354
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349