IN THE
Burgh
Photo by Dustin McGrew
A Rink Like No Other
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
Every November , when the first chill hits the air , a magical thing happens in downtown Pittsburgh . In the very heart of our historic city , a winter wonderland takes shape with a beautiful , 65-ft . Christmas tree bedecked with lights , surrounded by the mirrored windows of the famous PPG building . The landmark plaza becomes a crystal sheet of icy fun !
Though the space feels intimate and inviting with the skyscrapers encircling it , the UPMC Rink at PPG Place is deceptively large ! The rink is 67 % larger than the Rockefeller Center ice rink in New York City . The ice accommodates many skaters , with romantic couples gliding in perfect unison . They ’ re joined by teenagers who whizz by like speed skaters . And small children , still unsteady their first time on skates , look up at the towering tree and twinkling lights with a sense of wonder that ’ s beautiful to watch .
This year , the rink will be open from Nov . 15 through March 2 , including Thanksgiving Day , Christmas and New Year ’ s with special hours . This is an
affordable activity for families , with adult ticket prices from $ 11 , and children ’ s admission $ 10 . Beginning Jan . 7 , special Family Nights will be offered , providing one free child admission with the purchase of one adult admission .
Tickets can be purchased in advance online as of Oct . 1 , to skip the long lines at the rink . The UPMC Rink at PPG Place also offers skate rental , and lockers are available for $ 1 .
For a great Pittsburgh tradition that ’ s out of the ordinary , take a whirl around the rink this winter season !
For more information , visit ppgplace . com / directory / the-rink . n
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