"We are overjoyed to be bringing the rink back to Travis Park," Brandon Logan, past President of Rotary Club of San Antonio and Rink visionary, said. "After a challenging couple of years, this is the perfect opportunity and space for the community to gather in beautiful downtown to celebrate the season and one another."
In 2019, the ice rink instantly became a huge attraction, with more than 20,000 people using it during its three-month stint. Couples got engaged, the former San Antonio Rampage players hosted events, and the ice rink received praise for being ADA accessible.
For this year, the new tradition will open for the public on November 19 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. It will remain open until January 17, 2022. The rink is expected to attract over 50,000 skaters this year, according to Centro San Antonio.
Liz Burt, the director of urban activation and play for Centro San Antonio, tells MySA H-E-B will be offering free skating from 3 to 5 p.m. for its annual tree lighting celebration at Travis Park on Friday, November 26. During the rink's inaugural year, the San Antonio-based grocery chain offered free skating during the tree lighting ceremony as well.
After the tree is lit, the $14 general admission resumes.
The Rotary Club of San Antonio and Centro San Antonio will also offer free admission for military and first responders on Mondays. Guests can save some money on Tuesday for Cheap Skate Night as all can skate for just $7. Tickets are on sale at rotaryicerink.org. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes from the start of your time slot.
While the H-E-B tree won't be lit on opening day for the ice rink, Burt says the rink will have lights. Guests can also lookout complimentary hot cocoa and a few unexpected, intermittent snow flurries courtesy of Centro.
During its stint, Burt says the community can expect themed nights, live music, food trucks, Santa photo opportunities, and movie nights.
"We're going bigger and better for the ice rink this year," Burt says. "We're just excited to welcome people back downtown, and specifically at Travis Park. You know, downtown took quite a hit during the pandemic. We miss our families. We miss our hyperlocals coming to festivals, and we really want to deliver. We want to give the best holiday season ever because the community deserves it."