City Ice Pavilion Holds Grand Opening

(L. to r.): City Councilmember-elect Jimmy Van Bramer (DLong Island City), Olympic gold medal figure skater Oksana Baiul, Erik Ekstein, founder and developer, and Madison Square Garden Senior Vice President of Marketing Howard Jacobs cut the ribbon officially opening the City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City on November 19. Ice skating and hockey enthusiasts turned out for the grand opening of the new City Ice Pavilion in Long Island City, which was officially dedicated on Thursday, November 19.

Olympic gold medal figure skater Oksana Baiul, New York Rangers defense Michael Del Zotto, City Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Long Island City), Madison Square Garden Senior Vice President of Marketing Howard Jacobs and founder Erik Ekstein of Ekstein Development took part in the ribbon cutting.

“This is a place where members of the community can come to party and have fun,” Ekstein said.

Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Oksana Baiul (c.) gets in some practice time with children of a local youth hockey league. Van Bramer was also very impressed with the new addition to the neighborhood.

“City Ice Pavilion is a special place where people can come to play and be healthy,” he said. “I am delighted to be here.”

The main attraction was Baiul, who christened the new ice rink with a solo performance to the theme from “Swan Lake”. “I am proud that I can be here to share my knowledge and passion for ice skating,” Baiul said. “The ice is good here, not too hard or too soft.” She completed her performance to loud applause from around the rink.

Ekstein Developers and RD Management are the creators of the venue, which was constructed on the roof of an old storage facility. Built with financial support from the New York Rangers, the world-class ice-skating facility features an NHL-size rink that is open year round and is sheltered from winter weather by a huge Yeadon air dome. The only rooftop rink in the five boroughs, the City Ice Pavilion will feature a training school for both hockey and figure skating. It will also be open for use by local high school teams and international leagues as well.

(L. to r.): Madison Square Garden Senior Vice President of Marketing Howard Jacobs, New York Rangers defense Michael Del Zotto, Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Oksana Baiul and City Ice Pavilion Founder and Developer Erik Ekstein. The impact the rink will have on the community and city at large is hoped to be a positive one.

“Places like this are very important because it keeps kids off the streets,” Baiul said. “It also teaches kids the importance of competitive sport which builds self confidence.”

The City Ice Pavilion is located at 47-32 32nd Pl. in Long Island City and is open seven days a week. For more information about admission fees, adult and youth hockey leagues and figure skating classes, visit www.cityicepavilion.com.

—Jason D. Antos