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Created: November 22 2016

Fort Lauderdale, Fl – 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.

“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.