(1888PressRelease)
October 28, 2008 - NEW YORK – This winter, Bryant Park will once again become an epicenter of holiday excitement in Manhattan with the return of The Pond at Bryant Park, made possible by Citi. The Pond is the first and only free-admission skating rink in New York City. Today, the three-month winter wonderland will kick off its fourth season with an hour-long entertainment variety program. The free to the public show begins at 12:30 p.m. at the rink and is designed to appeal to people of all backgrounds and ages.
Today through Jan. 25, 2009, everyone is welcome to enjoy free skating at The Pond. For those without skates, rentals are available for $12.00 per pair, along with a 10 percent discount for those using a Citi or Citibank card. The 2007-2008 season of The Pond at Bryant Park attracted more than 2.8 million visitors and 238,300 skaters. The Pond was featured in widespread media attention and hosted more than 500 events.
At today’s grand opening celebration, guests will enjoy an appearance from Olympic Silver Medalist Nancy Kerrigan, performances by two-time bronze medalist Michael Weiss of “Smucker’s Stars On Ice” and Connecticut synchronized skating champions and world bronze medalists, The Haydenettes.
Kicking off the holiday festivities with special remarks will be Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President; Parks Commissioner for Manhattan, William T. Castro; Sports Commissioner Kenneth Podziba; and Eric Eve, Citi Senior Vice President of Global Community Relations, the presenting sponsor of The Pond at Bryant Park.
“This year, the Pond at Bryant Park will feature a full season of festive activities and attractions that we are delighted to present as Citi’s gift to the City,” said Eric Eve, Senior Vice President of Global Community Relations at Citi. “As one of New York City’s most steadfast corporate citizens, with a presence here since 1812, we wish all New Yorkers and visitors alike a wonderful and fulfilling holiday season.”
“We are pleased and proud to offer free ice skating to the people of New York for the fourth year in a row,” said Dan Biederman, President of Bryant Park Corporation. “The Pond at Bryant Park is the jewel of Manhattan’s holiday scene, thanks to the generosity of Citi. It’s beloved by office workers, tourists, day-trippers, couples on dates, and families. We invite them all to come and enjoy New York’s best ice skating rink.”
Elements of the Bryant Park holiday experience are supported by the Canadian Tourism Commission, presenters of Celsius: A Canadian-themed, bistro-style restaurant operated by the team behind Buddha Bar; “Smucker’s Stars on Ice”; and media sponsors Clear Channel, WCBS-TV, Time Out New York and Metro newspaper; with special thanks to Bryant Park Corporation and New York City Department of Parks and Recreations for their support.
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