4 minute read
Flight on Ice Skating Rink;
A Community Partnership to Benefit Our Veterans
Our Community Feature Written by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Shake off those winter-weather blues, grab your skates and hit the ice for some fun, now through the end of February, at Flight on Ice’s Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink. This pop-up winter wonderland right in our own backyard features a full-size (60'x100') outdoor skating rink, skate rentals, festive lighting, delicious food and beverages catered from DiFabio’s restaurant, heated hospitality tents, cozy firepit seating, special events and entertainment for the whole family.
The buzz surrounding the rink’s opening in early December was undeniably electric, and the reviews since then have been spectacular. Season passes, family 4-packs and individual online ticket sales have been as brisk as the weather, as many of our Friends & Neighbors gathered in good cheer to enjoy the rink and all its splendor over the holiday season.
But just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the ice is melting yet! Oh no, the Flight on Ice team is just getting started! January and February feature a jam-packed lineup of special events and party opportunities. You don’t have to wait for the weekend to enjoy a night out with friends, take your special someone on a date or make family memories. Weeknight specials include Memorial Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Family Night Wednesdays and Skating Under the Stars Thursdays.
In addition, the team at Flight on Ice is excited to fill your calendar with special events for Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend. Save the date and get ready for a heat wave on Friday, January 21st, when the temperature climbs to a steamy 98°. The word on the street is that Nick Lachey from the popular 1990s boy-band 98° may be making a special appearance at the rink while he is in town to perform a concert at The Drexelbrook Events Center in Drexel Hill.
The Sofields spending time at the rink
Photo by Katie Borsuk Photography www.KatieBorsuk.com
It’s hard to believe that what was an empty lot just a few short months ago has been transformed into such a fun, vibrant winter wonderland for all ages. But the Flight on Ice folks and Edgmont Township officials worked hard together to make it happen. This rink is the fourth location for Flight Entertainment President and Managing Partner, Jon Schaffer, and his business partner, Colby Cohen, who is a former NHL hockey player and current Chicago Blackhawks Content Analyst. Combining Jon’s expertise in the entertainment industry with Colby’s background in hockey rinks results in a high-quality constructed site with an unbeatable entertainment experience.
Flight on Ice’s location and its mission were made possible through a partnership between those two partners and the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association (DCVMA). Jon Schaffer said that the mission of Flight on Ice is to donate a significant portion of their proceeds to that worthy organization and other similar organizations that support veterans.
Jon and his team worked with the deBotton family of National Realty Corp. and Steve Byrne, Executive Director of Visit Delco, to create Skip and Skate, an initiative that helps students, businesses and members of the general community get acquainted with the DCVMA. The program includes tours of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial site and presentations by local veterans of all ages.
There is a lot of fun packed into the program! Skip and Skate school programs provide students and teachers the opportunity to skip school for this state-accredited educational seminar, then enjoy a 90-minute skating session with skate rentals, food, drinks, giveaways, great music and more. Jon said that local businesses are welcome to sponsor a Skip and Skate event, to show their support and commitment to educating our youth. Interested community leaders, business owners and individuals should contact Flight on Ice for more information on how to become a sponsor.
Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink
Photo courtesy of Jon Schaffer
The Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink is located at 4901 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. It’s open every day, and hours are Mondays – Thursdays 3 – 9pm; Fridays 3 – 10pm; Saturdays 11am – 10pm; and Sundays 11am – 8pm. For their current events calendar and for any weather-related closings, check their website and social media pages (Flight on Ice). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FlightOnIce.com. For more information about the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, visit their website at www.DelcoVeteransMemorial.org.
The opening ceremony celebrating local veterans and the Flight on Ice team
Photo courtesy of Jon Schaffer
