Panthers Announce Two Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Holiday Season

SUNRISE, Fla., November 10, 2017 (Newswire.com) - The Florida Panthers, the City of Fort Lauderdale and Hoffman's Chocolates in Greenacres announced today they will partner to host two outdoor ice skating rinks in South Florida during the holiday season.

The Panthers and Hoffman's Chocolates in Greenacres have collaborated to create a 60x40 foot outdoor skating rink for "Panthers in Palm Beach" along with Hoffman's Chocolates Winter Wonderland holiday display.

We're excited to work with the City of Fort Lauderdale and Hoffman's Chocolates to offer a unique & family-friendly ice skating experience to our South Florida Community.

Sean McCaffrey, Chief of Staff

"Our Holiday Rinks allow Panthers Fans to enjoy the holiday season with the Cats in Ft. Lauderdale and Lake Worth," said Florida Panthers Chief of Staff Sean McCaffrey. "We're excited to work with the City of Fort Lauderdale and Hoffman's Chocolates to offer a unique & family-friendly ice skating experience to our South Florida Community."

Panthers in Palm Beach will officially open on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. and the hours of operation will be: Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The rink will have an early closure on Christmas Eve (6 p.m.) and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Santa Claus will be making appearances at Panthers in Palm Beach starting Nov. 24 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m and will be there every night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting Dec. 14.

The Florida Panthers and the City of Fort Lauderdale have collaborated for the second year to create "Panthers in the Park", an 80x40 foot outdoor ice skating rink at Huizenga (Bubier Park) at the intersection of Las Olas and Andrews Avenue, located right near Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk. Panthers in the Park will open on Sunday, Nov. 26 and go until Jan. 7, 2018. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The rink will have early closure on Christmas Eve (6 p.m.) and be closed on Christmas Day. On Nov. 26 only, the rink will open at 10 a.m. in conjunction with Winterfest Family Fun Day.

"We are thrilled to once again partner with the Florida Panthers to bring ice skating back to our downtown Riverwalk," said Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler. "Only in Fort Lauderdale can you enjoy tropical weather for the holidays and, at the same time, experience a unique outdoor winter activity to share the spirit of the season with family, friends, and neighbors. We thank the Florida Panthers for their community building, and we invite everyone to come out, lace up a pair of skates, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind winter wonderland."

The outdoor ice skating rinks will be built on site at Huizenga (Bubier Park) which will be fully enclosed by a tent and Hoffman's Chocolates in Greenacres which will be in open air. 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.

General admission tickets are $15 including skate rentals, group admission (25+ skaters) is $13, military and first responders are $10 (Valid ID required). The Panthers will also offer a Panthers ticket package at both rinks that begin at $25 for an upper-level ticket voucher and $55 for a lower level ticket voucher.

For more information, please call 954.835.PUCK (7825) or go to the website floridapanthers.com/holidayrinks. Follow along on social media @FlaPanthers on Twitter and Instagram and see all hours and events HERE.

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, Florida. 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 is a manufacturer of gourmet chocolates, with nine 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 firsthand 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 include over 70 varieties of confections (all handmade 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.

Black Friday every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 6-10 p.m.

Dec. 14-30 every night

Source: Florida Panthers