Shake off those winter-weather blues, grab your skates and hit the ice for some fun this winter at Flight On Ice’s Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink. This pop-up winter wonderland right in our own backyard features a full-size (60’x100’) outdoor skating rink, skate rentals, festive lighting, delicious food and beverages, heated hospitality tents, cozy firepit seating, special events and entertainment for the whole family.
The buzz surrounding the rink over the past two years has been undeniably electric, and the reviews since then have been spectacular, with the rink being voted Best of Delco 2022 and 2023 for Fun Day Family Outing. Season passes and individual online ticket sales have been as brisk as the weather, as many of our Friends & Neighbors gathered in good cheer last season to enjoy the rink and all its splendor.
This month, the Flight On Ice team is just getting started! Their calendar of events will feature a jam-packed lineup of special events and party opportunities. And with the addition of Tired Hands Brewery’s Winter Beer Park, the scene will be even more enjoyable! Jon Schaffer, President of Flight Entertainment, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to announce that Tired Hands Brewery will keep their already
popular outdoor Beer Park open during our skating season. We are always looking for ways to enhance our guest experience, and we are thrilled that Tired Hands has agreed to join us this season.”
Flight On Ice’s location and its mission were made possible through a partnership between those two partners and the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association (DCVMA). Jon Schaffer said that the mission of Flight On Ice is to donate a significant portion of their proceeds to that worthy organization and other similar organizations that support veterans. “We want to help shine a light on our veterans,” Jon explained. “Through our donations and our new community-partnering educational program last year, were able to help teach younger generations what it means to serve our country.”
A portion of the proceeds from both rink sales and sponsorships will benefit the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, located just blocks away from the rink. To date, Flight On Ice has raised over $55,000 for the DCVMA to support the memorial and local veterans in the community. The donations received from the ice rink were used to start an endowment program for the memorial. This season, they will roll out new fundraising programs to help achieve their goals.
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available at the rink, including a special educational-focused program that brings groups of school students out to the rink for a private skate session and complimentary refreshments, but more importantly, includes a visit to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial just a few blocks up the road where the students get a guided tour of the Memorial and learn first hand from a local veteran about those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
Jon said that local businesses are welcome to sponsor a field trip that they’ve branded their Skip and Skate event, to show their support and commitment to educating our youth. Interested community leaders, business owners and individuals should contact Flight On Ice for more information on how to become a sponsor.
The Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink is located at 4901 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, right next door to Starbucks and Bonefish Grill at the Shoppes at Marville. It will be open late November through February. Hours are weather-dependent. The rink is also available for private and semi-private events with a number of party packages to choose from.
For their current events calendar and for any weather-related closings, check their website and social media pages @FlightOnIce and @FlightOnIceEdgmont. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FlightOnIce.com. For more information about the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, visit their website at www.DelcoVeteransMemorial.org.