Ice-skating rink opens in new location

by Petra Lessoing
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


Kaiserslautern’s mobile ice-skating rink will open its doors Nov. 19 to start the winter season. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the fun until Feb. 13.

“This year, winter wonderland for ice skaters will be set up in the new event hall on the area of the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau,” said Alexander Hess, from the project office for city events. “We’ll reach a new dimension: a new ice surface of about 800 square meters. That’s about a third more than on the former location in the center of town.”

The concept of the ice-skating rink won’t change.

“Just like in previous years, the sports aspect will be in the foreground,” Mr. Hess said.

After the official opening by Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 and a little show program, ice-skaters can have fun at a reduced price of €1.50. Those who don’t have their own ice skates can get some from the rental place for the price of €3, which also offers skate sharpening.

The skating rink offers Penguins and other training aids for beginners for a fee of €1.50.

Every Friday, inexperienced skaters under 14 can make their first steps on the ice with a licensed instructor. The first hour after the training session will be offered at a reduced price.

To warm up cold fingers and take a break, visitors can sit down in the bistro tent and watch the happenings on the surface.

An entertainment program will be offered on various days. Santa Claus will make his appearance Dec. 6, and the traditional ice-curling tournament will take place in the second half of January.

Youth and sports department officials said admission fees will not get raised. Adults must pay €3 and children €2 per skating session. Reductions will be given for those buying a ticket for 12 times and for school classes.

Skating hours take place from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. each day. On Friday and Saturday, the rink stays open until 10 p.m.

School classes that want to spend their field trip or sports lesson on the ice-skating rink can register with the city sports department and agree on different skating times. For details and registration, call Anna Schroeer at 0631-365-1520.

For more information, get the “Kaiserslautern on Ice” flyer from the Tourist Information Office next to the Fruchthalle building on Fruchthallstrasse. Flyers can also be found in local stores and restaurants. For updates and news, visit www.kl-on-ice.de or www.kaiserslautern.de.