‘Tis the season and dust off those ice skates, the ice staking rink is back. ETSU opened its seasonal ice skating rink on Monday, Nov. 13. This is the second annual year and it is here for a short, but sweet time.

ETSU Chief Operator, Jeremy Ross, is in charge of the rink and has been planning the big event. Ross says that this has been a part of the master plan for many years, which includes trying to enhance the outdoor aspect of ETSU and the layout of the University Commons.

“East Tennessee State is known for its outdoors and the idea that you have holiday lights, ice skating and activities, it’s just another step in promoting the outdoors,” said Ross.

The synthetic ice rink had its first debut on Dec. 3, 2022, and was a hit among the students and the community. This year the ice rink opened earlier, which gives the students and community time to bask in the holiday cheer and atmosphere.

Photo taken during the opening of the ETSU ice skating rink. (ShelC’ Black/East Tennessean)

As for the future, the idea is for the ice rink to grow into something that can continue to be a shared experience. Having ice games, movies and other ways to expand on the idea of the ice skating rink. The process has been smooth this year when it comes to commencing this operation and with the help of some sponsorships and the facility group, the ice rink is smooth sailing.

“The vision is to have a student and community experience and give you fun, happy things to do. So we’ll adjust and grow as needed based on how the community and students like it,” said Ross.

ETSU’s ice skating rink is set to be an annual tradition, improving each year based and measured on the desires of the students and community. The rink will be open from Nov. 16 until Dec. 17, One hour is $6 and $4 if you have an ETSU ID, and skates are included in the price. Come down to the university commons at ETSU and skate into the season.