Ice skating rink with amazing views opens under Brooklyn Bridge

Families hit the ice at 'Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park'

November 20, 2023 Mary Frost

Ice skating rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park

The new 8,600-square-foot skating rink is tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle

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DUMBO — Skaters have gleefully taken to the ice at the new, 8,600-square-foot skating rink called “Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park,” which opened in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza on Nov. 15.

The views from the rink, with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge towering overhead and the East River and Manhattan beyond, are spectacular.

On Saturday, skating pros and rank beginners alike laced up their skates and shot quickly onto the ice when the doors opened for the start of their 50-minute session. Some youngsters rode on yellow puppy-shaped skating aids pushed by their parents. (And sometimes the parents were pushed by their kids, resulting in hilarity.) There were plenty of spills but no one seemed to mind.

Ice skaters of all ages and skill levels enjoyed themselves at the new “Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park” skating rink on Saturday. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle

Skaters can grab a snack, breakfast, lunch (sandwiches and salads) or something to drink, including beer and wine, in the comfortable, glass-enclosed cafe upstairs, which also affords the same striking views of the rink and skyline. It’s a good place for non-skaters to hang out and watch the skaters below as well.

The new rink is a partnership between BSE Global, the parent company of Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets, and the sports management firm IMG. The two companies teamed up with Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation to make it happen.

“Ice Skating beside the Brooklyn Bridge has been part of the plan since before park construction began in 2008, and we’re thrilled to see this coming to life, providing long awaited winter recreation against a beautiful and historic backdrop,” Eric Landau, Brooklyn Bridge Park president, said in a statement. “We’re especially excited to offer some reduced and free skate sessions for NYC residents, and we want to thank BSE Global and IMG for their commitment to this project and our partnership.”

This little girl waved to an admirer as mom pushed her around the new skating rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle

Glide is offering a limited number of discounted tickets to local NYC residents with ID throughout the season, courtesy of BBP. Glide and BBP will be also working with underserved community groups and schools to provide free tickets.

Regular adult prices are $15/$25 (off peak/peak); kids’ tickets are $10/$12. Skate rental costs $12 or bring your own, and lockers are free (locks cost $5 or bring your own).

The first 50-minute skate session begins at 10 a.m., the last at 8:55 p.m. Glide recommends booking your slot online, but you can also buy tickets at the rink if they are available. Glide will be open through March 1.