By Daeja lee Conner
Staff Writer
On Nov. 15th ice froze over Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles as the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns for its 21st Anniversary.
Opening day they hosted an Icebreaker event with special performances throughout the night. They kicked off the day with a literal “ice breaking” ceremony, where a large ice sculpture was shattered.
People from all over Los Angeles come out once a year to experience this ice skating experience with the Los Angeles Skyline as its backdrop. With its urban appeal and downtown sights thousands of people come out each year to participate in this event.
Annually, more than 54,000 skaters and 450,000 spectators join the ice skating community.
Every Thursday excluding Thanksgiving they will have DJ Hoyly hosting ice discos from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. In addition, beginning Nov. 21 every Wednesday visitors will enjoy a “Wicked” experience skating to original songs from the cast of the award winning musical.
In addition, the ice rink is bringing back the popular Silent Skate Party and the last opportunity to go is Dec. 19. Where guests can transport themselves from the bustling downtown to a skate party with the use of headphones.
The rink also offers curling lessons on Dec. 15, and Jan. 12 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Two Pershing Square events will also take place while the ice rink is in town, Gay Pride on Dec. 1 and Winter Holiday Festival on Dec. 8 – 9.
The Bai Holiday Ice Rink offers amazing sights and glistening professional quality ice similar to the ice displayed in the Winter Olympics.
The cities largest ice rink is also framed by the towering Los Angeles skyscrapers which light up the rink at night.
This 7,200 square foot rink is also surrounded by downtown historical landmarks such as the Dutch Chocolate Shop and the underground tunnels of Los Angeles.
Prices for the Bai Holiday Ice Rink are $9 general admission, $5 for figure and hockey skate rentals, $3 for locker rentals, and an optional $6 for penguin skate helpers.
All special events do not require an additional cost.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Nevertheless, it is recommended that tickets are bought beforehand because tickets sell out fast during the day.
The ice skating arena is held in the very heart of downtown Los Angeles which is 11.4 miles or a brief 18 minute ride from San Gabriel. However, with rush hour traffic the ride can shoot up to 40 or 50 minutes.
If driving is not prefered, the Metro red and purple line is available and takes anyone directly to Pershing Square. Partnership with Metro and Metrolink allows participants who take the Metro a $1 skating discount when arriving at the Bai Holiday Ice Rink.
The rink also features a holiday spirit rewards program similar to a stamp card for frequent visitors throughout the ice rink season. Group rates and private party discounts are also available Monday through Thursday.
Due to the cold temperatures while skating it is recommended that skaters wear layers to keep the cold out. Mittens are also highly recommended and are sold along with socks at the rink.
The rink will continue to provide chills and fun up until Jan. 21 bringing winter fun to sunny Los Angeles. The hours available for skaters to come out are 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. with times varying on certain days.
To purchase tickets in advanced or schedule details visit www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.
“Whether you are a Los Angeles resident or simply visiting for the holiday season, the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is an absolute must when it comes to embracing winter in Los Angeles,” says Willy Bietak, president of Willy Bietak Productions, the company presenting the Bai Holiday Ice Rink.
