Warm weather delays rink opening again

Since the extended weather forecast for the next week calls for warmer temperatures, UNMC officials will further delay the opening of its outdoor ice skating rink, as the warmer weather makes it difficult to maintain adequate layers of ice to skate safely.

The forecast calls for temperatures in the 50s for the rest of the week. UNMC will issue an announcement when it’s determined the ice is safe for skating.

Anytime the weather is consistently above 50 degrees or there’s a wind-chill of zero degrees or below, the public is asked to first check to see if the rink is open by going to Facebook or by calling (402) 559-0697.

The rink is located just east of 42nd Street, midway between Emile Street and Dewey Avenue on the north side of the Sorrell Center.

UNMC, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Clarkson College, and Nebraska Medicine students, faculty, staff and dependents skate for free (including skate rental) when they present a valid ID card.

General admission cost for the general public is $7, which includes skates (cash or credit card only — no checks or debit cards).

Hours of operation are:

• Monday – noon to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday – noon to 8 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday – noon to 10 p.m.
• Sunday – noon to 8 p.m.

The rink is closed Tuesday and Thursday for UNMC student broomball and curling leagues. The rink will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Free parking is available in Lot 15 (surface lot on 40th Street between Dewey and Emile streets) located on the north and east sides of the Student Life Center.

For more information about the rink, click here. Notice of the ice rink closing for private events or due to inclement weather (wind-chill of zero degrees or below) can be found on Facebook or by calling 402-559-0697.

This year, the 24-hour UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s will begin on Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. and end Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. This year will mark the eighth consecutive year that UNMC has hosted the event that raises money for Parkinson’s research at UNMC and assists families dealing with Parkinson’s. More details will be forthcoming.