NYC: Rockefeller Center's 70th Birthday

[Isk8NYC]

From Cable Channel NY1's website (http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?&aid=63287&search_result=1&stid=8):

October 09, 2006

The famed Rockefeller Center ice rink marked an important milestone Monday when it opened for its 70th season.

The rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936.

"We're from California," said a tourist. "It's our first time ice skating at Rockefeller Center and look at the day we picked."

"This was on the top of my list -- definitely had to be done before we left," added another.

"I can't believe it. We've always wanted to come ice skating at Rockefeller Center and it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," added a third.

"I've never skated on it," said a New Yorker. "I've walked by it before, but we've never skated on it so this is pretty exciting."

The rink will be open seven days a week until April 2007. For more information on rink hours and holiday events, go to www.rapatina.com (http://www.rapatina.com/).

[Isk8NYC]

The October 7, 2006 - November 3, 2006 schedule is here (http://www.rapatina.com/cgi-bin/menu.cgi?url=http://www.rapatina.com/menu/iceRink/preSeason.swf&LinkName=Ice%20Rink).

The holiday season at The Rink runs from November 4, 2006 - January 7, 2007. The schedule is here (http://www.rapatina.com/cgi-bin/menu.cgi?url=http://www.rapatina.com/menu/iceRink/regularSeason.swf&LinkName=Ice%20Rink).

[Isk8NYC]

I didn't know they had season passes for this rink! I always wondered how you could score a locker.

http://www.rapatina.com/cgi-bin/menu.cgi?url=http://www.rapatina.com/menu/iceRink/2006-reservation.swf&LinkName=Ice%20Rink

[Isk8NYC]

Tonight is the annual Tree-Lighting celebration for Rockefeller Center's huge Christmas tree that towers over the tiny, little ice rink we all know (at least virtually) and love! The broadcast will be carried on television (and internet - see below) LIVE FROM NEW YORK!

Details are:
Rockefeller Center - Midtown Manhattan
Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
7pm to 9pm Eastern Time (Tree lighting scheduled for 8pm)
Television: Regular/HDTV broadcast
Online: http://www.wnbc.com/christmastree/index.html

If you're going in person, put your valuables in a safe place and expect pickpockets and strangers to invade your personal space. Get there early, or all you'll see is the tree! Bring a radio that picks up TV bands, so you can hear what you're missing.

I know I sound jaded and I really shouldn't. Last time I went to this celebration, that was my experience. It even overshadowed the lovely engagement ring my then-boyfriend held in his pocket for hours! DH was afraid of its being dropped or swiped in the crowd.
I guess I can say: "Been there. Done that. Got the Rock!" LOL

Before I forget:
The "Tree Cam" is online again: http://www.wnbc.com/videostream/5822189/detail.html
Right now, it doesn't show anything but the tree's top - waiting for the star to light up.
After the celebration, it will show the rink with its teeny-tiny skaters whizzing around.
See it soon - once the tree comes down, so does the Tree Cam!

[Isk8NYC]

This is strange AND unusual - a "Virtual Tree" site from NBC.
(Not up yet and running late - somebody's gonna be in trouble.)

http://www.nbc.com/Movies_Specials_More/Virtual_Tree/

I like the quote from the original source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061129/wr_nm/lighting_dc_1
"Sources said the new digital digs will allow NBC to let fans mingle with avatars, or virtual representations, of stars from the network's shows -- making it the closest you can get to network talent without receiving a restraining order."

[sunjoy]

What is skating there like? I suppose I'll have to do it *ONCE* at least (actually a fuzzy memory of childhood says I already might have). But how does the atmosphere compare to Wollman or Bryant Park? Do they have lockers? Are the sessions limited to 1.5 hours or can you come back on once the ice is cleaned?

Pre-lunch on a weekday would probably be the best time to get some space right? Thx.

[Isk8NYC]

What is skating there like? I suppose I'll have to do it *ONCE* at least (actually a fuzzy memory of childhood says I already might have). But how does the atmosphere compare to Wollman or Bryant Park? Do they have lockers? Are the sessions limited to 1.5 hours or can you come back on once the ice is cleaned?

Pre-lunch on a weekday would probably be the best time to get some space right? Thx.It's really small, so more than 8 people is a crowd. Best to wait until after the holiday season starts winding down. They limit the admissions, so a huge line of cold, pushy people forms instantly. Weekday morning were always best. They have lockers that they rent for the season, so there are usually very few available for daily rental.

Atmosphere: like skating in a fishbowl. People stop to watch from above and catcalls and applause outbursts are common. (Often for no good reason other than you were in time with the rink's music!) Still, it's a "gotta do it" experience.

[Emberchyld]

If I do skate during the holiday season, how early should I get there in order to actually get onto a session?

One of my co-workers has asked me to go with her to Rockefeller center because she's not from the area and has always had dreams of skating there. I've never skated there myself (I couldn't stand upright on the ice last year...), so I'm looking forward to doing the "touristy" thing myself (with trepidations now...). It'll be an afternoon or evening session very close to the holidays, so I can imagine what a nightmare it will be.

Since lockers are limited, how safe is it to leave your "stuff" around? I'll have my money, etc in my coat, but should I fear for my skate bag and guards and shoes? I don't want to carry too much out onto the ice (especially the hard guards. And car keys. They HURT when you fall on them), but I want to make sure that I'll be able to at least walk out of the rink with most of my stuff! What about jackets, etc?

[Isk8NYC]

This is going to sound hokey, but if you want to go there during the holiday season, the best thing to do is to book a "Breakfast with Santa" package. It includes breakfast at the cafe and a skating session.

LINK (http://www.rapatina.com/holidays/breakfastWithSanta/)

I feel like I'm spamming - call or email the rink!

[Emberchyld]

..bump..

Anyone have any info about what I asked earlier (where we can leave our stuff at Rockefeller center, etc?). Unfortunately, because of work and personal schedules, my co-worker and I will probably take a half-or-part weekday next week to skate there, so we can't do a breakfast with Santa... we can't even do mornings, so it would be at or after lunch (depending on when we can leave the office).

How much should I schlep onto the ice with me and how much can I leave around? If the weather up here keeps staying as hot as it has been, I think I'll die if I have to wear my coat out on the ice!

Thanks so much, NYC skating gurus:bow:

[artekgwent]

Hi - I skate at Rock Center all the time. Here's what you need to know:

- Weekday mornings at the best time. It opens at 8:30 (later on, at 9 am, so call & ask first).

- There are NO lockers unless you are a season pass holder. You won't get one even if you go early. But, they have a free checkroom, and it's very safe. The guys who do the rink guarding, Zamboni-ing, skate rental counter etc alternate with the checkroom. And they are all our friends. DOn't worry, your valuables are perfectly safe with them. There is no place to leave anything rinkside (no equivalent of a penalty box) & I definitely would not recommend it.

- December is crazy. In fact, I can't recommend coming that month at all. Yes the tree is nice; walk by & look at it! (Although even walking is torture because of the crowds). Come any other month! nOtherwise you'll feel like you wasted your time.

-Say hi to me if you see me; I'm the tall, hefty one with the pink leather gloves!