DETROIT – Enjoy one of the most beautiful and anticipated skating experiences in the country in the heart of Detroit.
In addition to opening the rink for Preview Weekend (November 15-17), on Friday the Downtown Detroit Partnership announced an unparalleled line-up of “Winter in the Parks” experiences for residents, visitors and children and families of all ages, interests, and abilities who are ready to explore and enjoy our city’s winter wonderland.
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At 5 p.m. Friday, the Rink’s Preview Weekend begins in Campus Martius Park. At 4 p.m. representatives from Frankenmuth will be on-hand to celebrate the first year the rink will be named in recognition of one of DDP’s lead sponsors.
The Rink, which attracts Olympic Figure Skating Champions and visitors from across the state of Michigan and around the world is now called the “Frankenmuth Rink at Campus Martius Park.”
“The Downtown Detroit Partnership is proud to be partnering with the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau. Situated in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue, the rink offers one of the most beautiful skating experiences in the country. With spectacular views of the historic Detroit skyline, the Frankenmuth Rink at Campus Martius Park is like no other,” said Robert Gregory, Chief Planning and Public Space Officer. “In addition to the Rink and within a 10 minute walk, Winter in the Parks offers the opportunity for visitors to experience the holidays and winter in downtown Detroit including dazzling light displays, locally owned winter markets and shopping, family and kids friendly activities, entertainment, sports, dining and festivals.”
“Frankenmuth is thrilled to combine forces with the DDP to create magical and memorable moments for travelers across and to our great state, said Jamie Furbush, President and CEO of the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau. Frankenmuth has a legacy of fun and tradition as a favorite getaway destination for generations of Metro Detroiters. Extending Frankenmuth's story by naming one of Detroit's most-loved attractions is a natural partnership to celebrate all the FUN both Pure Michigan destinations offer Michiganders."
“Frankenmuth’s naming of the Rink at Campus Martius represents not only a wonderful new partnership, but also critical support for one of Detroit’s most iconic public spaces,” said Eric B. Larson, DDP CEO. “It is through relationships such as this DDP has the ability to build upon decades of success providing unique wintertime experiences for Detroit’s residents and visitors resulting in lasting memories.”
Winter in the Parks season of events kicks off with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park and Light Up Beacon Park on Friday, November 22 from 5 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy this family-favorite tradition in two separate Downtown parks with free shuttles between the public spaces. It also marks the beginning of a full season of winter events in Beacon Park, Cadillac Square, Campus Martius Park, Capitol Park and Grand Circus Park. Winter in the Parks brings winter fun and inclusivity to the broader Downtown Detroit community, promoting connectivity between the parks and creating a warm and inviting spaces all season long.
Throughout the action-packed winter season (November-March), DDP’s events attract more than 1.5 million visitors annually to Downtown Parks and Public Spaces, and the excitement continues to grow this year as DDP has expanded its innovative seasonal activities in Detroit’s award-winning and iconic public spaces.