**** HRM Media Release
Emera Oval opens for the 2024/25 season
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that the Emera Oval, located on the Halifax Common, is now open.
Every year, the Emera Oval is transformed into the largest outdoor, artificially refrigerated ice service east of Quebec City. The skating surface is equal to three NHL hockey rinks, and the facility includes an accessible washroom, street parking on Cogswell Street and wheelchair access to the ice surface.
The Oval will host a Skate with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. Residents are invited to attend and skate while listening to holiday music. Candy canes and pictures with Santa and the Grinch will be available.
There will also be a “Countdown to 2025” New Year’s Eve skate on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. – as well as a countdown at 8 p.m. for younger skaters.
Beginning on Monday, Jan. 6, the Oval will host a Sensory Skate every Monday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be no music playing or any large group bookings during that time.
Free equipment rentals, including skates and helmets, will be available. Valid ID is required for all rentals. CSA-approved multi-impact hockey helmets are mandatory for children 12 years of age and younger. However, all skaters are encouraged to wear a helmet for their own safety.
A full schedule of public skate times can be found on halifax.ca/skateHRM.
