GLIDING INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The return of the Downtown on Ice Outdoor Skating Rink


Los Angeles - The holiday season is here and with it comes the return of the LA Kings Downtown on Ice outdoor skating rink at Pershing Square. The Department of Recreation and Parks hosted a Grand Opening ceremony on November 20, 2008.

General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri and Councilwoman Jan Perry, along with an impressive group of athletes, helped celebrate the opening of Downtown on Ice's 11th year. Peter Carruthers, 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and four-time U.S. National Champion pairs skater, was the event's Master of Ceremonies. NHL and Kings legend Luc Robitaille, Kings Governer Tim Leiweke and Hall of Fame Broadcaster and TV voice of the Kings Bob Miller were also in attendance.

Three special and spectacular skating performances officially broke the ice. Evan Lysacek, two-time U.S. National Champion and two-time World medalist, and the U.S. National Championships pair team of Lindsay Davis and Alex Merritt wowed the crowd. Orange County's 10-member Youth Performance Ensemble performed a special holiday routine and ended the skating presentation with a bang.

Youth from Para Los Ninos, Sheenway School and South Park Child Care Center tested the ice by participated in skating clinics. The athletes and Youth Ensemble helped the children perfect their skating skills by showing them a few tricks and lending helping hands.

Dubbed the Rockefeller Center of the West, Pershing Square is the Southland's premier holiday attraction. Downtown on Ice is open everyday from November 20-January 19, including holidays. An hour skate session is $6.00 and skate rentals are $2.00. Underground parking is available and patrons can receive discount rates with ice skating validation.

For more information on Downtown on Ice, visit the Department website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call Pershing Square directly at (213) 847-4970.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Amy Garcia: (213) 928-9289