Outdoor ice skating in South Florida may seem like the stuff of mere fantasy, but starting November 11, it'll be a reality for the Tampa Bay community when a full-on ice skating rink will be open to the public in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Hosted by the non profit, Friends of Tampa Recreation Inc., this 40 by 100 foot ice skating rink returns for its second year in the park from November 11 through January 1.
Nearly 23,000 people showed up at the Downtown Tampa park last year to skate and take part in this unique opportunity.
This year the rink will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Fridays from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 12 to 9 p.m.
The only day the rink will be closed is Thanksgiving Day. It'll be open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Christmas Day from 12 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes skate rental for 90 minutes.
Houston based company, Ice Rinks Events will begin work on the 40 by 100 foot rink this Thursday by laying insulation for the ice. After that, tubes with refrigerant then water is slowly sprayed on layer by layer to create 6 inches of ice. Then a 200 ton chiller is brought in to keep the rink at a constant temperature of 4 degrees fahrenheit.
A tent will cover the rink to provide shade and refreshments including hot chocolate will be sold to create a classic, wintertime feel.
If you're looking for a truly unique recreational experience in Downtown Tampa, check out the ice rink at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park anytime from November 11 through January 1.
