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The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center to Open Columbus Day

Posted on: Wednesday, 23 September 2009, 11:38 CDT

NEW YORK Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center will open on Columbus Day, October 12th, to kick off the 2009-10 winter season. It is the world's most famous ice skating rink, with more than one quarter of a million skaters visiting each year between October and April. The Rink opening marks the traditional beginning of the festivities leading up to the annual lighting of the beloved Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

The Rink will open this year with an exhibition from Ice Theater skaters. Honoring Columbus Day, a skater portraying Christopher Columbus will perform and offer complimentary Italian flag cookies to all visitors on opening day. The skater will perform for the public from 9 am-4 pm, and a press reception will be held from 10 am-12 noon.

Additionally, anyone with the name "Christopher" will receive 1/2 off on skating on Columbus Day, and anyone named "Christopher Columbus" will receive a complimentary skating on opening day.

"Attracting skaters of all ages and levels, The Ice Rink is a tradition we are proud to be a part of," said Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, which operates The Rink and its surrounding restaurants, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Cafe. "Visiting The Ice Rink and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has spanned generations and lasted throughout the decades, with more memorable years to come."

The Rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, a heated house for changing skates, piped-in music and rink-side dining. Over the past 73 years, The Rink has become one of the most visited sites in NYC -- and even the world.

The perfect destination for both families and lovebirds, The Ice Rink has several programs planned for the upcoming skating season: "Engagement on Ice" will be available throughout the season, which offers couples private time to propose marriage on the Ice Rink, followed by a champagne toast at Rock Center Cafe. "Breakfast with Santa" will begin in late November and last through Christmas Eve for children to spend quality time with St. Nick, enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rock Center Cafe and partake in a skate session. For those looking for a unique morning workout, Olympic gold medalist Jojo Starbuck hosts a morning "Cool Workout Sessions" program. Finally, back by popular demand, "Skate-a-Date" will begin January 2010. The program includes dinner for two at Rock Center Cafe and VIP skating on The Rink.

The Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. For schedules and skate rental information, please visit www.therinkatrockcenter.com.

Opening Day Press Reception: 10 am-12 noon on October 12th.

Press Contact, and Press Reception RSVP:

Teuwen One Image 212.244.0622

Kayt Mathers, kayt@teuwen.com

Tanja Yokum, tanja@teuwen.com

Stephanie Teuwen, stephanie@teuwen.com

About Patina Restaurant Group

Patina Restaurant Group (www.patinagroup.com), a bi-coastal boutique company, is a leader in the premium segment of the restaurant industry. On the East Coast, its portfolio features New York City's world-famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, Rock Center Cafe, The Sea Grill, Brasserie, Brasserie 8 1/2, Cafe Centro, Naples 45, The Grand Tier Restaurant at the Metropolitan Opera and La Fonda Del Sol. Other East Coast properties include Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Epcot World Showcase in Orlando, FL and Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, MA.

On the West Coast the portfolio includes the renowned, Michelin-starred Patina Restaurant in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, Cafe Pinot at the Maguire Gardens, Zucca Ristorante, Pinot Bistro, Catal and three other restaurants in Anaheim's Downtown Disney District(R), Leatherby's Cafe Rouge at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Pinot Brasserie in Las Vegas and catering and food service in museums and cultural centers throughout California.

SOURCE Patina Restaurant Group

Source: PR Newswire

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