Students skate through winter

The Hunt Armory Seasonal Ice Rink is now open for public and private use. The city of Pittsburgh welcomed the addition of a new skating location.

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The Hunt Armory Seasonal Ice Rink is now open for public and private use. The city of Pittsburgh welcomed the addition of a new skating location.

Ice skating is a winter pastime that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether it’s skating at Rockefeller Center or at the local hockey rink, nothing quite compares to the joy that ice skating can bring. 

Ice skating can help to put one in the Christmas spirit, as the activity is often featured in holiday films. It is also a great way to spend time with friends and family. 

Junior Abigail Drezewski commented, “It makes me feel festive… like I’m from a Christmas town or a Hallmark movie.” 

Deciding on the location is an important part of the ice skating experience. 

“I think the best place to go ice skating is The Rink at PPG Place. I prefer skating outdoors because it feels more special. Usually, it is near Christmas time, and it is really cool to skate around a big Christmas tree in the middle of the city,” Drezewski stated. 

The Rink at PPG Place requires tickets that must be pre-ordered online in order to guarantee a spot. Tickets can be purchased by walk-up, but they sell out quickly.  

Indoor ice rinks also provide a great opportunity for skating year-round. The Printscape Arena at Southpointe, located in Canonsburg, often has public skates on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. 

New skating opportunities are now available in Pittsburgh with the opening of the Hunt Armory Ice Rink which will be located at 324 Emerson St. in Pittsburgh. Funded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, this seasonal ice rink is available for public skates as well as a variety of hockey-centered activities. 

Some people begin skating in early childhood, but it is never too late to begin. Skating can even be enjoyed from a wheelchair with the assistance of an experienced skater. 

Once a skater builds confidence on the ice, they may be able to advance to learning tricks. One does not have to be a professional figure skater to learn how to skate backwards or perform basic spins. Private ice skating lessons are often available at local ice rinks as well. 

Ice skating is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family during the winter holidays.