PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wintry fun on the Delaware River is about to begin! On Friday, November 29, 2002 the Blue Cross RiverRink on Festival Pier at Penn's Landing at Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street will open for its ninth season. Each year the popularity increases and more than 150,000 guests enjoy ice skating on this Olympic-size rink by the Delaware River.
Continuing its partnership with Variety Club of the Delaware Valley, children with physical disabilities will have the fulfilling experience of participating in a winter sport when sled skating returns to the RiverRink throughout the season. On opening day -- Friday, November 29 -- Variety Club kids will sled skate in a special session in the morning and then help with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon, when the Blue Cross RiverRink opens to the public. One dollar from each paid skating admission ticket all weekend long will be donated to Variety Club.
Each year the Blue Cross RiverRink welcomes more than 150,000 visitors to the waterfront to enjoy a total skating experience, outdoors on an Olympic-size rink. There is a 80'x150' warming Pavilion with a game room, food and beverage concessions, skate rentals, viewing areas, a private party room and public rest rooms. Birthday parties are very popular at the Blue Cross RiverRink.
Every month from December to February, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host a variety of special events including Skate with Santa on the weekend of December 21 and 22, Kids Fest on January 4 and 5, and the Chocolate Festival on February 1 and 2. There will also be a live DJ every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. until 12 midnight and FREE children's face painting every weekend.
Penn's Landing Corporation developed the RiverRink in 1993 to make the waterfront a year-round entertainment destination. Each year the popularity increases and now more than 150,000 guests enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink each year. Fireworks on New Year's Eve became a tradition on Penn's Landing beginning in 1991. Thousands of people attend the annual New Year's Eve festivities each year, which includes a special skating session from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the Blue Cross RiverRink. Other Sponsors include: PNC Bank, and Philadelphia -- the place that LOVES YOU BACK.
The Rink is available for birthday parties, corporate parties and private rentals. Skating lessons and group outings are also available. For more information, call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverink.com.