Public ice skating in the shadow of Gillette Stadium opens Veterans Day weekend

Pat Patriot and Patriots Cheerleaders to appear at outdoor ice rink on Friday, Nov. 9 and Red Sox mascot, Wally, to appear on Monday, Nov. 12

For the 10th consecutive winter, Patriot Place is bringing the time-honored tradition of outdoor ice skating to life in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Winter Skate at Patriot Place will open for the season outside of CBS Sporting Club and the Patriots ProShop on Friday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m.

The grand opening festivities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and appearances by Pat Patriot and the Patriots Cheerleaders from 3-5 p.m. The mascot fun continues on Monday, Nov. 12, with an appearance from Wally of the 2018 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. Wally will be at Winter Skate from 1-2:30 p.m. In honor of Veterans Day, Winter Skate is offering free admission and skate rental to active duty military, veterans and their families from Nov. 9 through Nov. 12. A military ID is required to receive the offer.

 “When we first opened Winter Skate at Patriot Place, we were excited to introduce a fun and affordable outdoor activity for our guests,” said Patriot Place Vice President and General Manager Brian Earley. “Over the course of 10 years, Winter Skate has grown to become a wintertime tradition at the center. We are thrilled to celebrate the rink’s 10th year and offer families and guests the perfect antidote to cabin fever this winter.”

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Winter Skate, Patriot Place will be offering special events throughout the winter season, including family skating parties, character and mascot appearances and free hot chocolate.

The 60-by-140-foot, professionally-maintained ice surface is specifically designed for recreational skating, non-contact hockey and figure skating and features an observation deck for non-skaters. The surface is large enough to accommodate beginners and experts alike, hockey and private events. Onsite skate rentals, concessions and bathrooms are available and parking is free.

Winter Skate offers public skating Monday through Thursday (operating hours vary, visit website at www.patriot-place.com for more information); Friday from 5-10 p.m.; Saturday and all school holidays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Winter Skate will be open until late February.

Standard skating price is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Skate rentals are $5. For private events, group rates, season passes and discounts call 508-203-2100 or email winterskate@patriot-place.com.

Also taking place at Patriot Place during Winter Skate’s opening weekend will be Ocean Spray’s ninth annual Fall Harvest on Sunday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual Fall Harvest, which was rescheduled from Oct. 27 due to inclement weather, is free and open to the public and will feature activities like a public viewing of the cranberry harvest at the bog behind Bass Pro Shops (10 a.m.), pony rides, trackless train rides, a petting zoo, caricature artists, face painters and more. Additionally, those visiting Winter Skate from Nov. 9-12 can enter to win tickets to the Patriots-Viking game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 2.

For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com.