Synthetic ice rink returns to ETSU campus

Ember Brummitt Oct. 29, 2024


Brightspeed Internet logo below the words "Presented by"

 

East Tennessee State University’s beloved ice rink is returning to campus, opening for the season during the Holiday Lights Celebration on Nov. 18 from 6:30-9 p.m.  

This year, thanks to our partnership with Brightspeed, a leading fiber internet service provider focused on empowering more homes with ultrafast, reliable connectivity, the outdoor synthetic ice-skating rink will be free to ETSU students, faculty and staff with valid ETSU ID, and open to the community with a $5 skate rental for all ages. Our opening night event of the rink will be free to ALL community members and feature special performances by ETSU music ensembles, a giveaway for the first 100 skaters, and snacks including popcorn, cupcakes, churros, hot cocoa and cider. 

The rink is surrounded by campus holiday lights and located on the ETSU University Commons, adjacent to the D.P Culp Student Center. The 70-foot-long rink is made of Swiss-engineered synthetic ice that mimics the consistency of real ice. Skaters wear real ice skates to glide along its surface. 

The community can stop by the rink after the lighting ceremony or visit during regular hours until Dec. 21. The rink will be open on Thursdays through Sundays, closing on Thanksgiving weekend.  

 

The skating rink hours are: 

Thursdays and Fridays, 5-9 p.m. 

Saturdays, noon-7 p.m.  

Sundays, 2-7 p.m.  

 

The skating rink is also included in several special events this season:  

Holiday Lights Celebration  
Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30-9 p.m. 

Skatesgiving, hosted by Buctainment 
Including the Sustainability Ambassadors Information Table about GLICE (synthetic ice) 
Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-9 p.m. 

Santa's Holiday Pajama Party, hosted by Buctainment
Including Holiday Crafting by Party Bucs + a DIY upcycled t-shirt bag demo by Sustainability Ambassadors
Thursday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. 

Upcycled Snow Globes Demo by Sustainability Ambassadors
Friday, Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m.

Free Community Skate Night, brought to you by Brightspeed
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-7 p.m. 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, hosted by Buctainment 
Thursday, Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m. 

ETSU Alumni Night at the Ice Rink 
Thursday, Dec. 19, 5-9 p.m. 

 

The holidays are a magical time at East Tennessee State University, and the community is invited to join in the festivities. From light displays throughout campus to skating and arts events, discover all the ways ETSU can add joy to the season by visiting our holiday hub at etsu.edu/holidays. Let ETSU help make your season bright! 

 

Skating Rink Details

  • Rates

    ETSU Students, Faculty & Staff Skate Free with ETSU ID

    $5 for General Public

    *November 18 Grand Opening Event - Free For All!

    *December 7 Free Community Skate Night, presented by Brightspeed - - Free for All!

  • Rink Rules

    RULES

    1. Skate at your own risk.
    2. Protective equipment is recommended.
    3. Helmets recommended for children under 10.
    4. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
    5. No pushing, shoving, racing, or dangerous skating.
    6. No carrying children.
    7. No sitting on barriers.
    8. No bare feet or shoes on rink. Skates must be worn.
    9. No food, drinks, gum, etc. on rink. No tobacco or alcohol.
    10. No skates on brick or concrete.
    11. ETSU reserves the right to remove patrons from the rink.
    12. ETSU is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
    13. ETSU is not responsible for accident or injury.
  • Hours of Operation

    November 18 - December 21:

    Thursdays/Fridays:                                   5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    Sundays: 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    November 28-December 1 CLOSED--Thanksgiving Weekend

     

    *All hours subject to change

  • Map

    The Rink at the Commons is located in University Commons on the west side of the D.P. Culp Student Center, north of J L Seehorn Jr. Rd.Map of ETSU campus showing that The Rink at the Commons is located in University Commons on the west side of the D.P. Culp Student Center, north of J L Seehorn Jr. Rd.

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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