Polar Ice House to Manage AT&T Raleigh Winterfest Ice Skating Rink
Posted: 11-25-2009 : CARY, N.C.

Polar Ice House, with locations in Cary, Garner and Wake Forest, announced today it will operate the AT&T Raleigh Winterfest ice skating rink in City Plaza. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) selected the company to manage day-to-day operations of the downtown rink, which will open Friday, December 4 and run through Sunday, January 31.

American Skating Entertainment Centers, LLC, operates Polar Ice House, along with premiere rinks around the country. The company is the largest owner/operator of ice skating facilities in the United States. The agreement between the DRA and Polar Ice House includes staffing attendants to supervise safety, administer skate rentals, maintain ice quality and manage retail operations.

“With years of ice skating experience in the Triangle, we are thrilled to work with the DRA on the Winterfest event and become a part of this festive tradition,” said Randy Lee, general manager of Polar Ice House. “This is a great opportunity to introduce winter fun into the heart of downtown Raleigh.”

The AT&T Raleigh Winterfest kickoff event on Friday, December 4, will include performances by Grammy winner Michelle Branch, local choirs and bands, talented figure skaters, Theatre in the Park’s Ira David Wood III, a visit from Santa Claus and the Mayor’s Tree lighting.

The action-packed event schedule will continue throughout the holiday season with special programming and activities from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and Polar Ice House. The rink traditionally offers a wide range of programs for skaters of all ages and skill levels, including learn-to-skate lessons for figure skating or hockey, as well as year-round track out camps.

About the Polar Ice House
The three Raleigh area Polar Ice Houses are owned and operated by American Skating Entertainment Centers, with locations in Garner, Cary, and Wake Forest. They offer a wide variety of ice entertainment including: public skating sessions, birthday parties, track out camps and learn to skate programs. Each location is equipped with the latest in hockey and skating equipment. For more information, please visit www.polaricehouse.com.

About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
The Alliance serves as an independent contractor for the City of Raleigh to supplement city services in the downtown district. Our vision is to be recognized as the leader and champion for a vibrant and dynamic downtown. The Alliance is a guiding force in shaping a healthy center that anchors the city and region. Our mission is to effectively and efficiently deliver five core services. Through our dedicated board and staff, we are responsible for providing the following services: Advocacy and Member Support, Clean and Safe Ambassadors, Economic Development, Marketing and Events, and Public Space Management.

Special thanks to:
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors particularly AT&T, WTVD, Curtis Media and WakeMed. We would also like to thank One Bank of America Plaza, Kimley-Horn, Downtown Raleigh Eyecare Center, City of Raleigh, Downtown Housing Improvement Corp., Carolina Ballet, Jimmy Johns, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh Marriott City Center Hotel, US Figure Skating Association, Skating Club of NC, American Lung Association, Cherokee Raleigh, Carolina Hurricanes, Hamlin Drug, Hyde Street Holding, Shish Kabob & Sam-n-Wallys, BB&T, Poyner Spruill, LLP Snowmyyard.com and Broadway Series South.