Since the Market Square outdoor ice rink opened Thanksgiving weekend, more than 15,000 ice skaters have taken a whirl with Knoxville's Holidays on Ice.
If you haven't skated the downtown rink yet, you've still got time. Knoxville's Holidays on Ice continues through Sunday, Jan. 8.
Photos courtesy of Bill Foster
Knoxville's version of Rockefeller Center, made possible by the City of Knoxville and Home Federal Bank, has drawn a range of skaters - the agile and the experienced, as well as the fearless but not-so-graceful first-timers.
The rink and the vibe keep getting better. Last year, the City's Office of Special Events removed the tent over the ice rink - creating the first open-air skating venue in more than 10 years and allowing people to skate under the stars. This year, the rink features transparent glass dasher boards.
“The whole idea was to integrate the rink more into the festive Market Square setting,” says Judith Foltz, Director of Special Events. “The world-famous rink at Rockefeller Center - that's really our inspiration.”
Kudos to the City's Public Service Department, whose crews skillfully build the ice rink each year.
A 1-day adult ticket is $10, and a 1-day ticket for a child age 12 and under is $7. Admission includes skate rentals and unlimited time on the ice.
The rink will close during inclement weather. Visit knoxvilletn.gov/icerink for weather updates and additional information, or check the Holidays on Ice Facebook page to stay updated - Facebook.com/KnoxvillesHolidaysonIce. Or call 865-215-4423.
The rink will be open 1-9 p.m. today and Thursday, Jan. 5; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 6-7; and 1-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8.
Remember, parking is free at all City-owned garages after 6 p.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend.