Long-Awaited Bridgeport Skating Rink to Open Friday
By Jeff Toquinto on December 05, 2023
A proposal brought publicly before City Council this past May will become a reality this week when the City of Bridgeport opens up a synthetic 
ice-skating rink.
ice-skating rink.
Construction on the rink on the grounds of the Benedum Civic Center took place last week after parts needed to get the construction going and completed arrived. The seasonal rink will likely be open to Jan. 28, according to online information.
During the first meeting of The Bridge Advisory Committee, Director Droo Callahan talked about the future of the facility. He said during the meeting the site at the Civic Center, in the area where the tennis courts are located, will be there for the next three to five years.
Eventually, Callahan said it will be situated on the grounds of The Bridge Sports and 
Recreation Complex located off of State Route 131. Once there, it will likely be utilized year-round thanks to it being a synthetic surface as well as possibly having a cover for the structure.
Recreation Complex located off of State Route 131. Once there, it will likely be utilized year-round thanks to it being a synthetic surface as well as possibly having a cover for the structure.
The rink was initially going to be rented from the company, but it was eventually purchased. Now, it will have a permanent home in Bridgeport.
While it likely will be utilized for leisure skating, it has the capability for ice hockey and other recreational events.
Capacity is 50 skaters at one time. Pre-registration needs to be done before a selected time slot. Your time slot allows for 60 minutes of skating during the 90-minut sessions. Walk-ups may be accepted if less than capacity, but individuals must
pay by credit card.
pay by credit card.
For those who do not have their own skates, they can be rented on site. Sizes range from youth size 8 to men’s 13.
Skating will be available three days per week. Hours of operation are Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Click HERE to register and for information to other questions you may have. You can also visit www.thebridgewv.com and click on Winter Wonderland.
Editor's Note: Top photos shows working taking place last week, while the bottom photo shows the finished product.
