FALL CHILL AND FREE ICE SKATING RETURN TO NEW YORK CITY

NEW YORK, NY - October 30, 2007 - The stars were shining when the Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi® kicked off its third season of free admission ice-skating with a celebration of Olympic proportions. With an elaborate display of championship figure skating and Broadway performers, the city’s favorite outdoor skating rink reclaimed Manhattan’s center stage offering visitors days and nights of the very coolest experiences in town.

The third season, scheduled to run from October 26, 2007 to mid-January, 2008 will feature new twists on a can’t-miss recipe for fun.  It all begins, of course, out on the ice.  Once again, admission for skating sessions is free, courtesy of Citi.  Top-of-the-line skating equipment is available for rent for $10 (including tax).  And new this year, Citi is putting a new spin on the skating experience by sponsoring complimentary skating coaches to provide tips on the ice for two hours daily. 

The 17,000 square-foot skating surface tucked into the famed Bryant Park is set in the midst of trees and surrounded by towering skyscrapers with the iconic New York Public Library as its backdrop.  Visitors will delight in the overall winter wonderland setting that includes the acclaimed international Holiday Shops at Bryant Park; Celsius: A Canadian Lounge, a full-service seasonal restaurant; an old-fashioned carousel, and a spectacular 50 foot holiday tree.

The Pond has come to symbolize the very best of wintertime magic in Manhattan and last year marked a seismic shift in the midtown winter landscape as more than 2.7 million people came to watch, eat, drink, marvel, and - of course - skate. In fact, more than 190,000 skaters were treated to a free glide, courtesy of Citi.

Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 10:00pm and Friday & Saturday from 8 am to midnight.  The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi will  host a series of special events and activities including championship skating, musical performances, and other entertainment through the ice skating season.  For more information on The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi®, visit www.ThePondatBryantPark.com or call 866-221-5157.

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