Skates go back on the ice in downtown Bowling Green next week: the SOKY Ice Rink opens its 10th season at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the SOKY Center on Center Street, according to WBKO and an announcement from the rink published by SOKY Happenings.
The Warren County Public Library is marking the day with a free "Frozen"-themed opening party, its event listing says, so even families who don't plan to skate have a reason to stop by.
The Details
- Where: SOKY Center, 636 Center St., Bowling Green, according to the Warren County Public Library's event listing.
- Opening party: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. and storytime with Olaf at 5 p.m., plus games, the Ice Princesses and Santa Bob, the library says. The party is open to all ages and needs no registration.
- Cost: The library's listing says party activities are free, but skating requires regular paid admission.
- Admission: The rink's announcement lists $12 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, with kids 4 and under skating free; admission includes skate rental and one session. A basic season pass is $125, the rink says.
- Cheaper early skate: WBKO reports the first session of the day will cost $5, which organizers hope will help more people enjoy the rink.
Skating Hours
According to the rink's announcement, skating sessions run 1 to 3:30 p.m., 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m., with the rink staying open until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Zamboni resurfaces the ice at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.
New this season, the rink says it will open at 1 p.m. every Thursday and Friday so students, including homeschool groups, can skate during the day.
What's New for Year 10
WBKO reports the rink is opening with a new platform that organizers expect to improve ice quality, a hospitality tent where visitors can warm up, and lockers in place of the old cubbies.
"We also have a hospitality tent this year. So hopefully it'll keep people a little warmer when they come to enjoy the rink," rink board member Leah Spurlin told WBKO.
The rink's announcement also notes refreshed signs and logo for the 10th year, and says Totally Baked Pretzels will run the concessions truck with pretzels, hot chocolate, lattes and holiday treats.
More Than Open Skate
Beyond public sessions, WBKO lists hockey, learn-to-skate sessions, community story times and a curling league among the rink's activities. The rink's announcement says the library will host a storytime at 3 p.m. each Sunday with a different character each week, and that storytime guests don't need a skating ticket.
Before You Go
- If you're trying to save, aim for the first session of the day, which WBKO reports is $5.
- Hockey camp, curling league and learn-to-skate details and sign-ups are at SOKYice.com, according to the rink. Check ahead for dates and openings.
- The rink has not published a closing date for the season in its announcement, so check ahead if you're planning a late-winter visit.
