The Fountain Square Ice Rink is currently closed for the season. It will reopen on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2008.
Many Cincinnatians harbor fond memories of ice skating on Fountain Square on a frosty winter day in the midst of downtown’s tallest buildings.
At 7,000 square feet, the Fountain Square ice rink is about the same size as the one at New York's Rockefeller Center. The rink is located in the center of the redesigned Square, in view of the fountain.
A permanent chiller room keeps the ice cold up to about 60 degrees air temperature in dry weather. However, warm temperatures combined with high humidity or rain can make the rink "unskatable" and cause it to be closed temporarily.
Amenities include patio warmers, benches, and small lockers. A concession tent offers hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, soft drinks, hot chocolate, hot cider, and a variety of sweets.
The ice rink is available for private rental and groups.
Parking in the Fountain Square Garage makes access easy and affordable. And with so
many shops and restaurants within a few blocks, ice skating on Fountain Square can be just one part of your day downtown.
Private Rental
The ice rink may be reserved for private parties. Private rentals must take place outside the rink’s normal public hours. The rate is $200 per hour and includes skate rental. A 50% deposit is due at time of booking to hold a reservation, with the balance due one day prior. If a reservation is canceled with at least 72 hours’ notice, the deposit will be refunded. To make a reservation or to inquire about availability, please call 3CDC at 513.621.4400 x110. Payment may be made by check or credit card to Fountain Square Management Group.
Groups
The Fountain Square ice rink is great for school field trips, office outings, family outings, kids’ parties, social club activities, and more. Group visits may be scheduled any time the rink is open.
Groups of more than 30 are asked to pre-pay their members’ admission and rentals. To prepay, call 3CDC at 513.621.4400 x110 with an estimated number of admissions and rentals and the date and hours you plan to be at the rink. A 50% deposit is required by check or credit card to Fountain Square Management Group. Tell us how you will identify members of your group (e.g., wristbands, tickets, passes, a handstamp), and provide a sample to us a week ahead. Our staff will do an actual count on the day, which may require assistance from a responsible representative from your group. Once actual cost is determined, the balance will be due in 10 business days. If it turns out you have overpaid, we will refund the overpaid amount. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card when calling our office. If we close the rink due to bad weather, we will refund your deposit.
Groups should be aware that during public hours, rink admission and skate rentals are first-come, first-serve, and rink capacity is about 200 people.
