Final Day To Skate Free In Downtown Worcester On Friday

WORCESTER, MA — Time is running out to got ice skating on the rink behind Worcester City Hall.

The ice rink's seasonal residence in the oval behind city hall ends on Feb. 24, and the last in a series of five free-skate days happens Friday.

The 12,000 square-foot rink — often touted as bigger than the rink at Rockefeller Center — has opened each year since 2012 before Christmas. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts sponsors the five free days.

On Friday, entry to the rink will be free for all, but skate rentals will only be free for anyone age 12 and under. Hours will be 5 to 9 p.m., and rentals cost $6 for 30 minutes.

The rink will be open over the Presidents' Day school vacation with special hours: 1 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday. There will also be three special events during vacation: Digital Federal Credit Union will offer financial fitness programs on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., the Worcester Bravehearts baseball team will take over the rink on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. and there will be a curling demonstration on Feb. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. with the Blackstone Valley Curling Club, Colonial Curling Club and Petersham Curling Club.