The Pasadena Ice Skating Center at the Pasadena Convention Center suddenly finds itself breaking all of its previous records for its skate lessons program and open public sessions. Christine Susa, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, said this week the popular center closed its doors from March 2020 to April 2021 but has seen its numbers steadily increase since then.
“The return of skating has been enormous,” agreed Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Convention Center, Civic Auditorium and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Clearly people are feeling comfortable about participating in this wonderful recreational activity. All participants young and old are required to follow all protocols set forth by the Pasadena Health Department.”
Over 1,050 participants have registered for skate group classes beginning next week, which is the center’s highest enrollment ever, said Susa. And since December 1, over 35,000 individuals have attended public skating sessions.
Following its original opening in an exhibit hall in 1976, the center has been the home of numerous skaters who have gone on to make professional careers on the ice.
Famous Pasadena skaters have included Olympic skater and Hollywood star Sonja Henie; 1968 Olympic Champion and three-time World Champion Peggy Fleming; Sasha Cohen, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist and 2006 US National Champion; and Mirai Nagasu, 2007 Junior National Champion, and first place winner at the 2008 U.S. Championships, as well as Brett Sterling of the NHL Atlanta Thrasher; Angela Ruggiero, Team USA captain and Gold Medalist at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, along with Shane Warshaw, a professional referee in the US and Europe.
“I think the appeal is that it’s a great time for families,” said Susa, “and it’s a great time on a date, or by yourself, but we are seeing that a lot of people are also inspired by the Winter Olympics.”
The Pasadena Ice Skating Center is one of more than 25 ice skating rinks scattered throughout Southern California, but the only one in the San Gabriel Valley, with the other closest rink in Burbank.
Whether Olympics or alone, the Pasadena Ice Skating Center continues to attract and inspire skaters, from toddlers to seniors, to strap on the blades and cut figures of their own on the ice.
The Pasadena Ice Skating Center is open seven days a week offering public skating, figure skating, hockey and group classes. More information is available at skatepasadena.com or call (626) 578-0800.
