MASSMUTUAL PITTSBURGH ICE RINK AT PPG PLACE

Pittsburgh's extended winters provide wide range of venues for public skating. But one spectacular one-of-a-kind public skating place that stands out is ice rink at PPG Place, called MASSMUTUAL PITTSBURGH ICE RINK AT PPG PLACE it general starts at night of light up night (another amazing Pittsburgh event) and is open until March 1st. This is same place that turns into beautiful play fountain during summer times. 

PPG rink can hold up to 350 people, it is about 116′ x 116′ circular ring with a huge Christmas tree at center. Colored light and songs turn rink into cheerful play center.  

Location: It is at the plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue, right in front of One PPG Center. If you are catching bus to Downtown than it is one-minute walk from Boulevard of the Allies bus stop. It is right next to Market Square. 

Fees and Rentals: Admission and Rentals are decently priced. They do have lunch passes for regulars and discounted prices for special events.  

• Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for children. Skate rentals are $4 for Kids. 
• Lunch time pass is $25 per month, valid between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 
• For Tuesday Family Nights admission to one child is free with each child admission 
• For Wednesday Student night it is $3 off with valid student id. There is PPG discount with valid id. 
• You can also plan for group events/party with admission, skating and food for $16-$20. Parties require a minimum of 10
  skaters
• Skating lessons are available for first timers (more on this later) 

Food:
Being right next to Market Square you will have easy access to multiple food options if you are rink. There is a small canteen right next to skate’s rental office, but otherwise they are multiple options in Market square. If you plan to go at evening or at weekends check the timing of individual stores as some
of them may be closed. At least there is a Macdonald right at street that is open late into the night. 

Other Attractions nearby: 

• PPG Winter garden (They have Ginger bread houses in display during holiday season) 
• During Christmas week free horse trolleys start at Rink. 

Cons: 

• Limited options for public restrooms, only one located is at winter garden and there is a line. You must get into a stall if you want faster access 
• With so many people on the rink all the time, ice conditions are not that great. It generally tends to get gouged up as the days passes.  
• Most likely you will hava someone crash into you may be multiple times 
• Rental Skates, they are never your size. If you are tad experienced that it does not matter, but for newbies, it can get difficult. 

A word on Skating lessons: This is not an idle place to learn skating. My advice: take only take lesson if you want to experience Ice Rink and want someone to hand hold while you make a lap or two. It is too crowded and has rough surface for the comfort of beginners. There are other nice places where you can get skating lessons with qualified individuals and they
are open throughout the year (more on this later..) 

In all the rink is beautiful and the ambiance of the city adds a great touch. It's a great spot for locals, and definitely a great place for visitors.