Opening day at The Pond at Bryant Park

Today is the opening day for The Pond at Bryant Park, touted as "Manhattan's first and only free admission ice skating rink." Located on 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, The Pond is open from now until January 24, 2010. I know lots of people who first check out Rockefeller Rink, see how long the line is, and then stroll eight blocks over to The Pond. I don't know if the lines are any better but it's nice to have two options so close together if skating is on the itinerary for the day.

To celebrate the 2009-2010 season, Ice Theatre of New York is giving a free performance this afternoon at The Pond. Also, ice dancers Allison Reed and Otar Japaridze will perform their free dance for the crowd. Allison is the younger sister of Japanese ice dance team Cathy and Chris Reed. She and Otar are a relatively new team who just qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics and will represent Georgia. The show will be from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Pertinent information for The Pond:

• Hours of Operation: Sunday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - Midnight

• YES, general admission is free. Bring a lock in order to use the free lockers. If you want to rent a lock, it will cost $9. Be warned - the lockers are pretty small, so some people just end up using the bag check which is $9. Skate rentals are $12.

(Photos above, the first ice resurfacing of the morning for opening day at The Pond)

Comments

[BGW]

The Haydenettes will also be skating at the Grand Opening.