The skating rink at VDNH is the main open ice arena in Russia. The object received this status in 2014. Its infrastructure, size and capabilities exceed the characteristics of all other ice arenas not only in our country, but also in the world. The tradition of skating on the territory of the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy originated exactly fifty years ago.
Every winter, the open arena attracts thousands of Muscovites and guests of the capital. Four years ago, the skating rink at VDNKh acquired a system of artificial ice. It stretched from the Main Alley to the Friendship of Peoples fountain. Its actual area exceeds 20,000 square meters. Arena infrastructure facilities occupy another 48,000 m². The arena can accommodate up to 4,500 people at a time.
The work of the skating rink at VDNH is supervised by a team of instructors. Coaches are always ready to help beginners. The main decoration of the arena is a picturesque bridge thrown over an ice mirror. This is a favorite meeting place for couples in love and old acquaintances.
Box office
Entrance tickets sales start in two shifts. The first lasts from 11:00 to 14:10, the second from 17:00 to 22:10. On weekends and holidays, box office pavilions open at 10:00 and 16:45. Monday is a day off.
Inventory rental points
From Tuesday to Friday, pavilions begin to issue skates at 11:00. Rental locations close at 14:30. On weekends, you can rent skates from 10:00 to 14:30. The evening shift begins at 17:00. On weekdays and weekends at 16:45. The pavilions are closing, according to the schedule of the skating rink at VDNH, at 22:30.
Ice Arena
The first visitors begin to be allowed at 11:00. On weekends at 10:00. The morning shift ends at 14:45. The second skiing session starts at 17:00. The ice arena closes at 22:45.
Infrastructure
List of ice rink facilities at VDNKh:
- main route;
- pedestrian bridge;
- children's area;
- avenue of lovers;
- thematic sites;
- cash pavilions;
- medical Center;
- Cafe;
- restaurants
- snack bars;
- rental;
- service workshops;
- security Service.
The large circle is designed for free sliding. It covers alleys encircling decorative installations in the form of fountains. The length of the Northern Lights crossing is almost 90 meters. The width of the pedestrian bridge exceeds 2 m. The height of the arch reaches 6 m.
Children's ice rink is a separate area of ice cover. Its area is 900 square meters. On its territory there is training in figure skating and basic gliding. Children from three to eight years old are allowed in the children's area of the skating rink at VDNH. Adult support is required.
The alley of lovers smoothly goes around the bowl of the light fountain "Friendship of Peoples". This is the inner circumference of the ice arena. Along it are set benches for relaxation. There are five pavilions at the rink. Each serves a specific thematic area. There are kiosks serving visitors who come with their own ice rinks. Everyone else offers rental equipment in the areas of Volkswagen, Mir, Megafon, Russian Railways, Zasport, and Nursery.
Ticket office employees come long before the opening of the skating rink at VDNKh. You can buy a subscription in any pavilion at the time set by the administration of the ice arena. The first aid to the victims at the rink is provided by employees of the medical team on duty. Eleven cafes invites you to grab a bite to eat and relax. They serve sandwiches, hamburgers, pastries, hot drinks and soft drinks. The restaurant serves a set lunch or a romantic evening.
A large food court is located next to the eatery area. He is represented by McCoffe, the coffee partner of the ice arena. In points of equipment rental for the skating rink at VDNKh, the operating mode is indicated above, there are 3,500 pairs of skates. 1500 is intended for playing hockey, 1500 for figured gliding on ice. 500 pairs are provided for children. The minimum size is 25, the maximum is 48. There are 25 sets of protective equipment.
To sharpen the blades of skates in professional workshops, you need to go to Pavilions No. 1 and 2. The security service consists of ten experienced instructors who train newcomers. They monitor compliance with rules of conduct on ice.
entrance
To get to the rink, you need to purchase a ticket or pay an electronic bracelet. In pavilion No. 3, priority is given to visitors with season tickets. If you have your own skates, the administration of the ice arena recommends contacting other points. It is forbidden to go to the rink without skates. This rule also applies to companions.
Maintenance time
There is a break between morning and evening shifts. It starts at 15:00 and ends at 17:00. Visitors to the ice rink are urged to leave the ice about fifteen minutes before the start of maintenance activities. At this time, special equipment enters the alleys.
She is responsible for snow removal. The machines restore and level the surface of the ice. Special distributors remove chips, cracks and cuts. They polish the ice cover.
Disco style
At the end of the working week, on Fridays, dances are held at the rink. The disco begins at 18:00 and ends closer to 20:00. Visitors to the ice arena are entertained by professional choreographers. Spectators have the opportunity to learn the basic movements of modern and classical dances.
December is the month of fiery rhythms. Passionate Latino melodies sound from the stage. The administration of the rink organizes Scottish and Irish dance evenings . Disco participants take part in oriental programs and real cowboy dances.
The lesson begins with the study of basic pa. Then the choreographers show the main ligaments that combine disparate movements into a single composition. At the end, all the participants in the disco get together and perform the selected dance all together.
In addition to folk and folklore choreographic movements, on the rink they introduce the basics of modern ballet art. They arrange mime dances and discos in the style of the popular performer Beyoncé. The exact schedule of lessons becomes known only after the final approval of the opening date of the skating rink at VDNH.
Fun
Come as a family to not only skate, but also have fun. On Saturdays, from 12:00 to 15:00, the administration of the ice arena organizes joint games. Visitors take part in old Russian amusements. They play Freeze and Trickle. They are divided into teams and compete with each other in agility and quick wit. Animators hold contests and sports relay races.
To become a participant in the event, you need to find an animator. Declare your desire and get a bright ribbon. It serves as a distinctive sign and helps team members recognize their associates. To take part in the relay, you do not need to wait for the end of the round. You can join the game at any time.
Become charged
Early birds await on impromptu exercises. Starting from the opening date in 2018 at the VDNKh skating rink on Saturdays and Sundays, the administration of the ice arena conducts morning exercises. Training starts at 10:00 and lasts until 12:00. You can join at any time. On Sunday, classes start at 11:00 and end at 13:00. Training is held outdoors in any weather.
Classes aimed at light stretching and warming up all groups of the muscular corset alternate with incendiary dance movements to energetic music. The subject of training is changing. Every day - a new set of exercises.
Kids
At the VDNKh skating rink, everyone is fun and interesting. On weekends from 12:00 to 15:00 in the children's area of the ice arena, kids are greeted by bright and energetic characters of the most popular and favorite cartoons. They teach children the basics of skiing. With their help, children play in the “Engine”. They take part in various competitions and fun. With the characters of fairy tales you can take a picture.
Visiting a fairy tale
On the eve of Christmas, the skating rink is dressed up. He is preparing to meet a child who will soon begin the winter holidays. Not only students will be interested in the ice arena. For older visitors, the administration of the rink is preparing a lot of pleasant surprises. Living alleys go to the alleys. Unusual decorative installations appear. Actors in shocking costumes fill the main routes of the rink.
In the evenings, the ice arena is illuminated by a myriad of neon lights. Loud music starts to sound. The movement comes to life. Photozones work. The animation team organizes contests and always rewards the winners.
Reviews on the skating rink at VDNH
For several years, the complex has acquired a lot of loyal fans. Every year they come here to skate with a breeze. Visitors love the colorful design of the ice arena. They are grateful to the staff and instructors of the rink. They say that the staff is always friendly and ready to help. The area of the rink is simply huge, and entertainment is provided for every taste.
Advantages of the ice arena at VDNH:
- huge and interestingly designed territory;
- good lighting;
- great service;
- the possibility of sharpening skates;
- a lot of entertainment for adults and children;
- live music;
- dance lessons;
- Luggage storage.
As always, there were some cons. Not all guests of the ice arena share enthusiastic opinions. They indicate the following negative points encountered during the visit:
- poor ice quality even at the very beginning of the shift;
- high cost of tickets;
- long lines in cash pavilions;
- old and shabby skates at rental points;
- lack of car parking;
- tightness in locker rooms;
- high cost of food in eateries.
A lot of complaints go to the organization of the process of changing clothes and changing shoes of visitors. The rooms are cold. After riding, shoes in lockers are literally in a frozen state. Wearing it is very unpleasant.
Cases of falls due to poor quality ice cover are mentioned. They say it has pits about 5 centimeters deep. Near the sides are always crowded.