Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 21, 2016) -The Florida Panthers and the City of Fort Lauderdale have teamed up this holiday season to transform Fort Lauderdale's Huizenga Plaza into Panthers in the Park Ice Skating Rink presented by Hoffman's Chocolates, a 5,760-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink and enchanting holiday display. Located at One East Las Olas Blvd., Panthers in the Park will be open to the public from Saturday, November 26th through Sunday, January 8th and will be the largest outdoor public ice skating rink in South Florida.
Panthers In the Park Opens Nov. 26
5,760 square-foot ice skating rink comes to Huizenga Plaza November 26th through January 8th
"We are thrilled to partner with the Florida Panthers for this exciting holiday activity," said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler. "Bringing an ice skating rink to our downtown Riverwalk will provide neighbors and visitors with a unique fun-filled way to celebrate the holidays and share the spirit of the season. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy what promises to be a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland."
The outdoor ice skating rink will be built on site at the park and will be fully enclosed by a tent. The temperature in the rink will be controlled with chillers to keep the ice cool at 32 degrees and will be constantly shaved and replenished to provide the best skating experience for guests.
"We are thrilled to work with the city of Fort Lauderdale in creating this opportunity for the people of South Florida during the holiday season," said Florida Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko. "Our community is a top priority for the Panthers, and to be able to provide people in downtown Fort Lauderdale the chance to get on the ice and learn to skate is an exciting and important way to grow our great game."
To add to the holiday spirit, adjacent to the rink, Hoffman's Chocolates will showcase a captivating holiday display with colorful holiday lights, illuminated sculptures, a magnificent 20-foot Christmas tree and sweet treats for purchase from their food truck, The Sweet Ride. Other food and refreshments will be available for purchase at the plaza concession stands.
"In partnership with the Florida Panthers, we are thrilled to celebrate the holiday season by supporting the City of Ft. Lauderdale, our community and the inaugural Panthers in the Park," stated Randall Vitale, Regional Vice President of Hoffman's Chocolates. "For almost 30 years, Hoffman's Chocolates has been wowing kids (and kids at heart) with our Winter Wonderland in Palm Beach County, and we're excited to bring the magic to Downtown Fort Lauderdale. We can't wait to lace up our skates."
Ice skating tickets are $13 each for both adults and children for a 90-minute skate session. The cost includes skate rental. Group sales for rentals by the hour for corporate events, special occasions and birthday parties are also available. Hours of operation for Panthers in the Park Ice Skating Rink presented by Hoffman's Chocolates will be: Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Additional hours for holidays and school break, along with any special event programming will be announced via web and on Facebook.
Also serving as a charitable initiative, $1 of each ticket sold at Panthers in the Park Ice Skating Rink presented by Hoffman's Chocolates will be donated to the Florida Panthers Foundation, which benefits the South Florida community by focusing on a number of philanthropic efforts. The Foundation currently works to build the game of hockey for children and youth, supports health and education initiatives for children, advocates for and supports veterans' issues and raises awareness about the endangered Florida panther.
For more information, please call 954.835.PUCK (7825) or go to the website floridapanthers.com/panthersinthepark. Follow Panthers in the Park on Social media at Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @PanthersParkFTL
Additional sponsors for Panthers in the Park are Florida Power & Light, Show Management and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
About Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL) and play at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. Entering into the league in 1993, the Florida Panthers and their first head coach Roger Neilson first dropped the puck at Miami Arena. The Cats played four seasons at Miami Arena, reaching the Stanley Cup finals in 1996. The 1998 season brought the Panthers to their current home at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL. Under the ownership of Vincent J. Viola and Douglas A. Cifu since 2013, the Panthers completed the 2014-15 season as the most improved team (25 point improvement) in the NHL and reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2015-16 season. The Cats unveiled a new logo and sweater in 2015 and are committed to the South Florida Community both on and off the ice. For more information please visit FloridaPanthers.com or follow the Panthers @FlaPanthers on social media.
About City of Fort Lauderdale
Incorporated on March 27, 1911, encompassing nearly 36 square miles with a population of 178,590, the City of Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities and the eighth largest city in Florida. Embraced by the Atlantic Ocean, New River and a myriad of scenic inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale truly lives up to its designation as the "Venice of America." An advantageous economic climate has helped Fort Lauderdale establish itself as an international commerce center and one of the most desirable locations for new, expanding or relocating businesses. Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, today Fort Lauderdale supports a diverse range of industries, including marine, manufacturing, finance, real estate, high technology, avionics, aerospace, and film and television production. Fort Lauderdale also offers an outstanding quality of life, highlighted by a semi-tropical climate, rich natural beauty, and an array of cultural, entertainment, and educational amenities. For more information, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofFortLauderdale and follow us on Twitter @FTLCityNews.
About Hoffman's Chocolates
Headquartered in Greenacres, Florida, Hoffman's Chocolates, a subsidiary of BBX Capital(NYSE: BBX),, is a manufacturer of gourmet chocolates, with ten retail locations throughout South Florida, and mobile food truck, The Sweet Ride. The tradition of legendary chocolates began over 40 years ago in a small chocolate shop in Lake Worth with a commitment to use the finest and freshest ingredients from around the world. The Hoffman's Chocolates Factory in Greenacres is a popular tourist destination where guests from all over the world are greeted by the aroma of slow-simmering chocolate and caramel and watch the art of candy making first hand at its observation windows. The company is notable for its elaborate December holiday displays, including the Hoffman's Winter Wonderland, and products such as gift baskets and chocolate covered pretzels.
Hoffman's Chocolates product lines includes over 70 varieties of confections (all hand made using time honored traditions of candy making). Hoffman's Chocolates are available via its retail store locations, thru online distribution channels and by direct shipping throughout the U.S. It has been a favorite local brand for residents throughout Florida. For more information, please visit www.Hoffmans.com.
