(Updated, 11:40 a.m.) Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink opened for the season this past weekend, despite not-quite-winter temperatures.
Starting the season a week earlier than last year, the nearly-7,000 square foot rink located in the plaza at 1201 S. Joyce Street in Pentagon City is said to be the “largest outdoor ice skating rink in Northern Virginia” and the second-largest in the state.
The rink will be open until mid-March, providing about four and a half months of skating time. There are a few changes at the rink from last year, when capacity and mask restrictions were quite a bit tighter.
Masks are now optional while skating, an employee tells ARLnow, as opposed to required last year, though will still be sanitizing high-touch areas including skates and rails around the rink.
Capacity is increasing from the 50% mark in 2020 to full capacity. That means the number of skaters allowed on the ice at any given time is being doubled, from 75 last year to 150. Social distancing is still being requested while on the ice, waiting to get on the ice, and at the rental facility, though.
There’s also a pricing change, with admission rates increasing by a dollar from last season. It now costs $11 for those 13 years and older. For those younger than 13 and senior citizens, admission is $10. Skate rentals are $5.
Group and party rates are being offered once again as well as private skating lessons. Reservations for skating can still be made online.
Despite the shopping center on S. Joyce Street rebranding late last year to “Westpost,” the ice skating rink remains called “Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Rink.” However, that could change in the coming months, writes a rink manager in an email to ARLnow.
In 2013, the ice skating rink underwent a renovation that increased the size by 50% and added an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace on the side of the rink for those off the ice.
The rink is open every day of the week, including holidays:
- Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Monday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Tuesday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Wednesday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Thursday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Friday 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
- Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Holiday Schedule:
- Thanksgiving Day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Christmas Eve 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Christmas Day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- December 26 – 30 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
- New Year’s Day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Public School Holidays 10 a.m.-11 p.m.