Kent Skates

Free Ice Skating in Downtown Kent

Kent Skates will open Nov. 19, 2022, through Feb. 26, 2023. This outdoor ice skating rink is free and open to the public.

The skating rink will be closed:

Jan. 22.
Jan. 25 from 3:30-7 p.m. for a private event.

Erie Street will be closed from Nov. 1, 2022, through March 7, 2023.

Use of the rink is free, along with free skate rental.

Hours of Operation

Kent Skates operates within these business hours (unless otherwise indicated):

Monday-Tuesday – Closed to public but available for group reservations
Wednesday-Sundays – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

About the Downtown Location

This special attraction has been created through a partnership between the city of Kent, the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Kent and Kent State University.

This seasonal rink is located on a section of East Erie Street, in downtown Kent, between St. Rt. 59 (Haymaker Parkway) and South Depeyster Street, between the PARTA parking deck and the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. This section of East Erie Street will be closed from Oct. 15 until March 15 to allow for setup and takedown of the rink.

The location features food and beverages at a snack bar, the Zamboni Café, and visits from food trucks. Plus, the restaurants and shops of downtown Kent are just steps away.

Special Events & Reservation

$25/HR, for up to 4 hours
- Nonrefundable
- Please note that reservations can only be booked on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Please contact University Events & Conference Services at 330-672-3202 or by email at uecs@kent.edu to book your private event.

Want To Be A Sponsor This Coming Season?

Watch the preview video

Contact us

For general questions or inquiries please contact us at:

Phone: 330-672-3880
Email: universityarchitect@kent.edu

A Community Partnership

Our Sponsors

Kent Skates Rules

SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK

Hour of Open Skate: Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Other Times by Reservation

Other closures could occur due to staffing shortages or inclement weather.

During normal operating hours, the rink will close to clear the ice for periods of 30 minutes.

Information, as available, will also be posted here and the following social media accounts:

Kent State (@KentState)
Main Street Kent (@MainStreetKent)
Kent Area Chamber of Commerce (@KentAreaChamber)

Green Flag = Good to Skate
Red Flag = No Skate

No Alcoholic Beverages Permitted on Ice
No Food or Drink Permitted on Ice
No Glass Containers Permitted
No Racing or Speed Skating
No Chain Skating is Permitted
No Skates in the Restrooms
No Skating during Rain, Severe Weather, or High Temperatures
Ice Skates required on Ice

In Case of Emergency Call 9-1-1

Questions or Inquiries 330-672-3880, UniversityArchitect@kent.edu

Please Be Respectful of Other Skaters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

Kent Skates is an ice-skating rink, open to the public in downtown Kent, Ohio.

Who is putting this attraction together?

This special attraction has been created through a partnership between the city of Kent, Kent State Hotel and Conference Center, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Kent and Kent State University.

Where is this attraction located?

The Ice Rink will be located on East Erie Street between SR 59 and South Depeyster Street between the PARTA parking deck and the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center.

How long will this section of East Erie Street be closed?

This area will be closed between Nov. 1, 2022, through Mar. 7, 2023 for set-up, the Kent Skates attraction itself and tear-down.

When can skating begin and what are the hours of operation?

The Ice Rink will be available to the public, Wednesday through Sunday, November 19th through February 26th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What is the cost to utilize the ice rink?

The Ice Rink is FREE to all visitors after signing a liability waiver. This includes FREE rental of ice skates. You may bring your own personal skates. However, the rate for a special event or reservation is $25/HR, for up to 4 hours.

How large is the ice rink?

The ice rink is approximately half the size of a standard hockey rink.

Where is parking available?

Parking is available in the PARTA Garage (Kent Central Gateway 101 South Depeyster St.) along with additional parking throughout the downtown area.

Will group events be permitted?

Group reservations are available on Mondays and Tuesdays and can be secured by contacting University Events & Conference Services at 330-672-3202 or by email at uecs@kent.edu to book your private event.

What are some of things you will be able to do onsite?

Visitors can expect an opportunity to utilize the free ice rink, but also food and beverage options along with scheduled special appearances.

Where can I find food and beverage options?

In additional to special food truck visits, there are many great food options just steps away within the downtown Kent area. There will also be a Snack Bar (Zamboni Café) offering food and beverage.

Where might I find a place to stay?

Please contact the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center, located at 215 Depeyster Street, at 330-346-0100.