Opening date announced for ice rink at Dilworth Plaza

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On Wednesday, Philadelphia leaders announced plans to open the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and 6abc is a proud partner.

The rink will open Friday, November 14th and be open seven days a week.

That means soon the water jets which make up Dilworth Park's signature fountain will be shut down and drained to make way for the cold weather attraction.

"We're right across the street from the light show at Macy's and we're going to link together a lot of the holiday destinations downtown with this at the center," said Paul Levy, CEO Center City District.

6abc is a media sponsor of the rink. President and general manager Bernie Prazenica says exciting things will come from the partnership.

"I can see us doing weather down here, I can see us doing a lot of things that will allow us to express to Philadelphia how much fun people are having here," said Prazenica.

Due to corporate underwriting, admission to the rink will be just $4 for adults and $3 for kids ten and under.

Shirley Roundtree of Olney anxious to bring the family.

"It's wonderful! I'll be bringing my grandkids down and my great-grands," said Roundtree.

Despite midday showers on Wednesday, people gathered to hear music. Most are impressed by the new $55 million park which replaced the much unloved 1970s vintage Dilworth Plaza.

"I come down every year for the Thanksgiving Day parade and there was really nothing around here, it was almost like you were afraid to walk around here. This is just beautiful now," said Mary Keeley.

The ice rink should be up and running in about a month. At 60x120 feet, organizers say it should be able to accommodate several hundred skaters at a time.