Come join Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University President Todd Diacon, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Mayor Jerry Fiala and the Marching Golden Flashes as they celebrate the opening of the new public rink, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates, on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. with music, free giveaways and, of course, ice skating.
Diacon and Fiala will be accompanied by Flash and the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State cheerleaders to mark this exciting partnership between the city of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University Hotel and Conference Center, the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State. Michelle Hartman, interim executive director of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as host for the celebration.
‘Tis the season for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates to remain open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Feb. 28. Use of the rink is free, including free skate rental. 
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates is a seasonal rink located on a section of East Erie Street in downtown Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ between St. Rt. 59 (Haymaker Parkway) and South Depeyster Street, which is between the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) parking deck and the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University Hotel and Conference Center. This section of East Erie Street is closed from Oct. 15 until March 15 to allow for setup and takedown of the rink.
The support of many great community partners made Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates a reality, including presenting partner AMETEK. A venue such as this helps build up the community and serves the purpose of reaching multiple groups from the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ community.
The rink will add to the options that downtown has to offer, and it will connect students to community members in a fun, inclusive environment. The location features food and beverages at a snack bar, the Zamboni Café, and visits from food trucks. Plus, the restaurants and shops of downtown Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are just steps away.
To learn more about Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates and all the activities happening this holiday season or to schedule your private group activity, please visit the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Skates website for more details.