Editor’s note: Because of unseasonably warm weather, the ice rink’s opening will be delayed until 5 p.m. Dec. 8.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s outdoor ice skating rink will be open Dec. 8 through Feb. 11.
The outdoor rink, which is open to the public, is located just east of 42nd Street, midway between Emile Street and Dewey Avenue, on the north side of the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education.
The outdoor rink, which is open to the public, has undergone improvements since last skating season – many below the surface but contributing to some visible changes at the rink.
Blake Wesely, project manager with UNMC Facilities Management and Planning, said the entire ice rink system – including the mechanical piping and concrete slab – was demolished and replaced. That will have benefits on the surface for the ice and ice skaters.
“We should now have more consistent ice to skate on throughout with no warm or slush spots, making it a more enjoyable skating experience,” Wesely said.
In addition, the surrounding sidewalks were replaced, new landscaping installed and new red benches added on the ice rink’s south side, along with some other aesthetic improvements.
Admission for the public is $7, which includes skates. Cash or credit card only — no checks or debit cards.
Hours of operation are:
- Mondays and Thursdays: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (intramurals scheduled evenings)
- Fridays and Saturdays: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
During UNMC’s winter break — Dec. 18 through Jan. 1 — open skating hours will be extended to:
- Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m
- Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
On Christmas Eve, the rink will close at 5 p.m., and it will be closed on Christmas Day. The rink will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
If the air temperature is zero degrees or below (not the wind chill reading), the rink will be closed. Check weather closures by going to Facebook or by calling (402) 559-0697. Free parking is available in Lot 15 (surface lot on 40th Street between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street), located on the north and east sides of the UNMC Center for Healthy Living.
Skaters may bring food and beverages. Alcohol is not allowed. For more information about the ice rink, check the rink’s webpage or contact Candace Peteler via email or (402) 559-5192.