Newport Skating Center returning to former downtown location

THE NEWPORT SKATING CENTER IS slated to reopen Dec. 11. / COURTESY NEWPORT WATERFRONT EVENTS
THE NEWPORT SKATING CENTER IS slated to reopen Dec. 11. / COURTESY NEWPORT WATERFRONT EVENTS

NEWPORT – The Newport Skating Center will return to its former downtown location at the Newport Yachting Center this winter.

Newport Waterfront Events, a division of Waterfront Productions LLC, said in a press release on Tuesday that although the fundraising campaign is still short of its goal, it plans to move forward with the rink reopening as it is confident that more funds will be received in the coming weeks.

Historically, Newport Waterfront Events has needed to sell a minimum of $150,000 in sponsorships to finance the rink’s operation and maintenance over a full winter season.

Michele Maker Palmieri, president and CEO of Waterfront Productions, said she is pleased with the “generous response” over the last month by the corporate community and individuals, led by new presenting sponsor, Alex and Ani.

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“We are looking forward to celebrating with the entire community at the rink’s grand opening and tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 11,” she said in a statement. “In the meantime, there is still more work to be done as we are at 93 percent of our fundraising goal with more sponsorship and partnership opportunities available.”

Palmieri said that a crowd sourcing campaign on skatenewport.com will remain active so that donations can continue to be made. The campaign was scheduled to end Nov. 19.

The rink failed to open last winter due to the sale of the Newport Yachting Center by Newport Harbor Corp. to Scott’s Wharf.

Newport Harbor Corp. has agreed to donate skating rink equipment and assets to Newport Waterfront Events while Scott’s Wharf is providing the Newport Skating Center’s former space at the Newport Yachting Center for the coming skating season.

The Newport Skating Center, which first opened in 2000, features a 9,000-square-foot skating surface that can accommodate up to 100 skaters at a time. Skate rentals, beverages, food, lighting for night skating and free parking are offered, as well as regular admission discounts.
“Alex and Ani is a company dedicated to its customers, its employees and its communities,” Carolyn Rafaelian, founder, creative director & CEO of Alex and Ani, said. “When there is an opportunity that creates a central place for people to enjoy our beautiful state, we are excited to commit our time and resources to the community to create unity for all to enjoy.”

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