PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 1, 2005 (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 12th anniversary season on Thanksgiving weekend. Featuring 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 25, 2005 with the first public skating session of the season. For the twelfth season on Philadelphia's waterfront, the Blue Cross RiverRink will move back to its original location on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. Featuring an Olympic-size rink overlooking the Delaware River and a heated facility with a snack bar, game room and more, the Blue Cross RiverRink will open with a celebration and free activities for kids.
This season, the Blue Cross RiverRink will host the Official Kick-Off for the B101 Stockings for Kids Program. Patrons are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy to receive $1 off admission for the entire weekend. Patrons will be invited to take an empty stocking, as they will be distributed all weekend. Everyone who takes a stocking with the promise to fill it with toys will receive a complimentary admission to the Blue Cross RiverRink to return for another visit. Buzzbee and the B Crew will be on hand all weekend with games and prizes.
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 9:30 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. The Sled Skating program and special sessions for developmentally challenged children will continue throughout the season on Sunday mornings.
"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 89 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 and/or Karaoke 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 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. 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: NBC 10 and The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market 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