Frozen returns: UNMC ice rink opens Saturday

Mick Ridgway, the ice rink manager, preps the rink.

Mick Ridgway, the ice rink manager, preps the rink.

UNMC’s outdoor ice skating rink will be open Saturday through Jan. 30. The outdoor rink, which is open to the public, is located just east of 42nd Street, midway between Emile Street and Dewey Avenue, on the north side of the Sorrell Center.

Admission for the public is $7, which includes skates. Cash or credit card only — no checks or debit cards. 

Admission is free for members of the med center and university community as follows:

  • UNMC, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Clarkson College, Nebraska Medicine employees, students and immediate family members. Must present a valid university ID badge.
  • Ronald McDonald House employees and house guests. Must present a valid ID badge.

Hours of operation are:

  • Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

During winter break — Dec. 20 through Jan. 9 — open skating hours will be extended to:

  • Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m
  • Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

On Christmas Eve, the rink will close at 5 p.m., and it will be closed on Christmas Day. The rink will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

If the air temperature is zero degrees or below (not the wind chill reading), the rink will be closed. Check weather closures by going to Facebook or by calling 402-559-0697. Free parking is available in Lot 15 (surface lot on 40th Street between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street), located on the north and east sides of the UNMC Center for Healthy Living.

Masks are optional; both the ice rink and adjacent event building for handling admission and skate rentals are outdoors. UNMC continues to take precautions against COVID-19 and asks people who want to skate to:

  • Stay home if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or suspect you have COVID-19;
  • Check potential symptoms on UNMC’s free 1-Check COVID app; or
  • Answer these simple symptom screening questions: 
    • Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 14 days? 
    • Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath or sore throat? 
    • Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, please stay home for the health and safety of others.

Skaters may bring food and beverages. Alcohol is not allowed. For more information about the ice rink, check the UNMC calendar or contact Candace Peteler via email or 402-559-5192.