NEW YORK, NY – Seaport Ice, the only ice skating rink in lower Manhattan, debuts November 28 on Pier 17 at The Seaport. Amid the visual splendor of tall ships, skyscrapers, and New York Harbor, the rink adds a much-welcomed amenity to downtown life.
Presented by General Growth Properties, Inc. (GGP), Seaport Ice will open as the prelude to a new and expanded holiday season at The Seaport aimed at furthering the growing partnerships between the vibrant businesses in the area and the ever-increasing number of residents who make lower Manhattan their home.
The new rink will offer the local community a lengthy skating season that continues through February 28, 2009. In addition, the rink is part of a multi-year holiday effort that calls for its expansion in 2009 and beyond.
Seaport Ice is scheduled to be open for public skating from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. General admission to the rink will be $5.00, and top-of-the-line skating equipment will be available for rent for $7. Seaport Ice will feature free lockers for skaters, with locks available for sale, plus bag check services for a nominal fee.
During the course of the skating season, area community groups, organizations, and neighbors will be invited to join in and/or plan special free skating activities, including Seaport neighborhood appreciation activities.
“Ice skating certainly evokes the best of winter fun,” said Janell Vaughan, Seaport senior general manager. “We believe Seaport Ice will become a downtown destination for local children, families, and workers alike to gather and enjoy themselves throughout the winter. The rink exemplifies the type of community partnerships that benefit everyone.”
The 8,000 square-foot ice rink, which can accommodate up to 325 skaters, is operated and managed by Upsilon Ventures, LLC – the project development company, which introduced The Pond at Bryant Park in 2005 to much acclaim and ongoing success.
In addition to attracting 8.1 million visitors each year, lower Manhattan is home to more than 8,000 businesses, 318,000 workers, and 56,000 permanent residents.
More information regarding Seaport Ice is available at www.TheNewSeaport.com/icerink . Pier 17 is located at South Street and Fulton Street in lower Manhattan, and is accessible by the J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 at Fulton Street or the A, C at Broadway-Nassau.
Additional amenities that will be available at Seaport Ice include:
– Skating Pavilion Lobby – a 3,500 square-foot tented warming area which will house skate rentals, lockers, and bag check services, as well as a snack shop featuring food and beverages, including hot chocolate, of course.
– Skate Lessons – certified coaches will be available for private, as well as group lessons for a nominal fee.
– Discounted skating packages are available for not-for-profit groups, as well as groups of 10; advanced reservations required. For information call 212.661.6640.
– Live music throughout the season to enliven the holidays and welcome the New Year.
EXPANDING A DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY TRADITION
With its opening on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving, Seaport Ice will also become the ceremonial location to a 25-year holiday tradition in lower Manhattan – the annual lighting of the Seaport Chorus Tree.
As the city’s first major tree-lighting program of the season, the annual festivity features the illumination of the tens of thousands of twinkling white lights that adorn the tree, as well as the arrival of New York City’s most acclaimed Santa, caroling by The Big Apple Chorus, and performances by specials guests and an area high school marching band.
During his many years at the Seaport, the quintessential St. Nick has engaged and delighted children of all ages and nationalities – and once, even a President (Clinton). He tells amazing stories and attracts fans that travel long distances specifically to see him each year. Santa makes daily appearances at the Seaport through Christmas Eve.
Following the tree lighting, The Big Apple Chorus, New York City’s premier a cappella group, will entertain skaters, shoppers, and visitors with 45-minute shows on the weekends – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Back for their seventh season at the Seaport, the group is renowned for its professionalism and the immeasurable enjoyment it bestows during the holiday season.
ABOUT SOUTH STREET SEAPORT AND GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES
The South Street Seaport is recognized as one of America’s Premier Shopping Places, the nation’s largest collection of tourism-oriented shopping and dining destinations located throughout the USA. For a complete listing of America’s Premier Shopping Places and special offers for travelers, please visit www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com .
For more than two centuries, the South Street Seaport has been a place where innovation and history come together. A new proposed redevelopment by General Growth Properties, Inc. (GGP), in partnership with the City of New York, will continue this tradition of innovation, renewing the Seaport and Pier 17 and reconnecting them to Lower Manhattan, both physically and aesthetically.
Located at the tip of Manhattan, the Seaport business district features a thriving community of more than 150 retail shops, cafes, and restaurants along its historic waterfront pier and cobblestone streets. The idyllic atmosphere, with its sights and sounds, offers a perfect location to relax, take in some holiday shopping, celebrate with friends, and of course skate away any morning, noon, or night.
General Growth Properties, Inc. (GGP), a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”), is listed on the NYSE under GGP, and online at www.ggp.com. South Street Seaport has been owned and managed by GGP since 2004.
