U.S. Bank Ice Rink Opens Early for Halloween

Opening Weekend Festivities include M&M’s Halloween Costume Contest

CINCINNATI (October 30, 2015) – The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) every year builds and manages an ice rink on Fountain Square, sponsored by U. S. Bank, that attracts over 50,000 skaters between Thanksgiving Day and Valentine’s Day.

This year, however, 3CDC officially opens the U.S. Bank Ice Rink 21 days earlier than years past, with a weekend full of free skate rental opportunities, costume prizes, live bands and DJs, a concessions stand open during all rink hours, and a new warming tent sponsored by Lykins and furnished by IKEA.

The rink is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Admission is $6.00 and skate rental is $4.00. For individuals arriving in costume on either Friday or Saturday, or in Bengals gear on Sunday, skate rental is free.

The M&M’s Halloween Costume Contest takes over the ice with a red carpet show emceed by The New 94.9 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, featuring multiple prize categories. Rink admission is not required for costume contest entry, as skating will not be permitted until the rink officially opens at 5:00 p.m. Costume Contest prize categories are as follows:

Best Group Costume (minimum of 5 participants) wins $100 in gift cards to Cappel’s, 10 Fast Passes to the Dent Schoolhouse, and a $100 gift card to Chipotle

Best Youth Costume (17 and under) wins $20 in gift cards to Cappel’s, 2 tickets to a Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati show, and a $100 gift certificate to King Arthur’s Court Toys

Best Individual Costume (17 and up) wins $20 in gift cards to Cappel’s, 2 tickets to the Know Theatre, and a $50 gift card to Chipotle

Most Creative, Funniest, and Scariest Costumes each win $20 in gift cards to Cappel’s

Skating begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. Friday, and DJ Diamond hosts an All Hallows’ Eve party beginning at 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., enjoy live music from Gee Your Band Smells Terrific. And finally, on Sunday, Nov. 1, enjoy live music from Flip Cup All-Stars during the Bengals Tailgate Party from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A new 60’ Lykins Warming Tent on the west side of the rink, furnished by IKEA with wooden tables and benches, is the biggest change skaters will notice this year outside of the earlier open date. Stay warm with hot toddies or tasty treats from the concession stand in between rink runs or while watching friends and family on the ice.

The fun continues into November and the New Year with the events and activities on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink listed below. Note: Visit www.MyFountainSquare.com for more information or to add events to your smartphone.

After School Special

November 2 – November 26

Monday – Thursday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Students under 18 can enjoy FREE skate rentals and cartoons on the Fifth Third Bank LED Video Board. Rink admission is $6.00.

 

Meet Your Match Monday

November 2 – November 23

Mondays – 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Meet your match at the Square and skate the night away on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink! Just show us your online dating profile to earn yourself a FREE rental and we’ll take care of the rest. Rink admission is $6.00.

 

Bowling On Ice

November 3 – November 17

Tuesdays – 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Grab a friend and head to the U.S. Bank Ice Rink at Fountain Square for a few frames of bowling…but with a twist – you’re the bowling ball! Rink admission is $6.00. Skate rental and bowling pass are $4 (which will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul) or FREE if you bring two non-perishable food items to donate.

 

Watch It & Wear It Wednesday

November 4 – November 25

Wednesdays – 5:00pm to 9:00pm

We’re showing a different movie every Wednesday! Come dressed as your favorite character from whichever film we’re screening that week for your chance to win prizes. Movies include Frozen, Toy Story, and Ninja Turtles.

College Night

November 5 – November 26

Thursdays – 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Thursdays are College Night out on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink! Just show your university ID and you’ll receive a FREE skate rental! Regular $6.00 rink admission still applies.

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Turkey Bowl

Tuesday, November 24 – 11:30am to 1:00pm

Bowl frozen turkeys on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink for a good cause! Participants must bring $5 or two non-perishable food items in order to play. All proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul.

Macy’s Light Up the Square

Friday, November 27 – 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Celebrate the arrival of the holiday season at the official tree lighting ceremony on Fountain Square. Enjoy live music, ice skating, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and more!

Santa Skates

November 28 – December 20

Saturdays & Sundays – Noon to 1:00pm

Grab your wish lists and make your way down to Fountain Square for your chance to skate with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole.

New Year’s Eve Blast

Thursday, December 31 – 8:00pm to 1:00am

Ring in the New Year among friends and family with live music, food, ice skating and more!

Radio Skates

January 1 – February 12

Fridays – 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Enjoy discounted admission and the chance to skate to music from your favorite radio stations.

Throwback Skate

January 2 – February 13

Saturdays – 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Enjoy a different themed skate every Saturday night, with a different charity benefitting each night!

Family Skates

January 3 – February 14

Sundays – 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Bring the whole family down to Fountain Square for an afternoon of ice skating fun. Kids under twelve skate free!

HGC Construction Broomball

January 4 – February 11

Monday – Thursday, 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Watch local teams duke it out on the U.S. Bank Ice Rink for their shot at the 2016 Championship.

Mascot Broomball

Saturday, January 16 – 11:00am to 12:00pm

Watch your favorite local mascots go head-to-head out on the ice.

Valentine’s Day 2-for-1 Skate

Sunday, February 14 – 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Bring your special someone down to the Square for a day of complimentary 2-for-1 ice skating.

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