The Downtown Skating Rink season goes from Downtown d'Lights Dec. 5 through the St. Patrick's Day Parade March 14th
The Erie Downtown Partnership brings another season of the downtown skating rink to East Perry Square thanks to the generous support of Erie Insurance! The rink is located in East Perry Square between the fountain and State Street.
The Downtown Skate Rink is an innovative synthetic ice rink that provides a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly skating, requiring no water, refrigeration, or cooperation from weather compared to a traditional ice rink!
Skating is $5 per person, rental skates included! Rental skates are specialized for the synthetic rink, so we ask you leave your own skates at home.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Friday: 5 to 8 PM
Saturday: noon-8 PM | Sensory Skate noon-2pm
Sunday noon-4 PM
Special events occurring as announced and posted to our Facebook Events page
The rink will comfortably accommodate 32 skaters at once. If you are coming to skate during big events like Small Business Saturday, Downtown d'Lights, and Erie Winter Carnival, please anticipate wait times. Skaters will have access on a first come, first serve basis. On busier days visitors may be limited to shorter skate times to allow as many people to enjoy the rink as possible.
The rink may be closed at the discretion of staff due to inclement weather and temperatures. Check our social media for live updates.
Inquiries on private parties or other skating events can be sent to eriedowntownrink@gmail.com
Special Skate Events
- Jan. 3 - Women of Pop Day
- Jan. 25 - Free Skate sponsored by Renewal by Andersen
- Feb. 1 - Free Skate sponsoredby Tim Horton's
- Feb. 8 - Hungry Hungry Hippos
- Feb. 13 - Date Skate
- Feb. 18 - Otters Night
- Feb. 20 - 80's Night
- Feb. 21 - Pride Day
- Feb. 27 - 90's Night
- March 1 - Disney Day
All of February: wear an Otters jersey or Erie Youth Hockey Association jersey and get $1.00!
New This Year: Weekly Sensory Skate
Erie Downtown Partnership is excited to incorporate Sensory Skate hours into its weekly schedule! On Saturdays, from noon to 2pm, the rink will provide a more accessible experience open to kids and adults alike.
Sensory Accommodations: skates will be sharpened ahead of time to avoid using the potentially loud sharpener during sensory skate hours. Lights and music usually played at the skating rink will be turned off to minimize overstimulation.
If wearing skates themselves can be a sensory discomfort--no problem! The slippery spray that conditions the rink will not be applied during Sensory Skate hours. Because of this, you can choose to go out on the rink without skates. If caretakers want to join their eager skater but can better do so in their regular boots, they can! Keep in mind that the rink will still be a bit slipperier than the average floor.
Helmets and skating assists are available--just ask!
Stay Updated
The Downtown Erie Community Skating Rink now has a Facebook Page where you can find updates on weather closures and upcoming events!
SKATE LODGE + STAFF
All rink reservations and skate rentals will take place inside of the skate lodge next to the rink. There will be rink attendants and a rink manager who will be available to answer questions and help make your rink visit as safe and enjoyable as possible.
RINK SAFETY
The skating surface is made of synthetic ice! While it is not actual ice, it does feel and skate like ice. It is also slippery just like ice, so be careful!
No more than 32 skaters will be on the ice rink at once. Rink safety is a priority and you may be asked to leave the rink if unsafe behavior or horseplay is observed by the skate staff.
No food, beverages, tobacco products, or weapons are allowed on the rink or inside the Skate Lodge.
First time skaters are encouraged to wear a helmet, especially children. We have a limited supply of helmets on site to borrow.
The rink may be closed at the discretion of staff due to inclement weather and temperatures. Check our social media for live updates.
Erie Downtown Partnership reserves the right to remove skaters that are endangering themselves or others with their behavior on the ice or around the rink.
Erie Downtown Partnership has a zero tolerance policy for racism, hate speech, and abusive language at our events and activities, including at the ice skating rink. Those who are engaging in this type of behavior will be removed immediately.
Punch Cards
Plan on skating throughout the season? Rink-goers can get a punch card marked for five skate days and enjoy the sixth day for free!
Family and individual season passes are available. Please ask the rink attendant for more information or email eriedowntownrink@gmail.com
