PITTSBURGH -- The grand opening of The Rink At PPG Place began Tuesday.

Penguins legend Mario Lemieux, Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Brian Boitano, Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann and local political dignitaries were on hand for the event. Mayor Tom Murphy even laced up the skates and did a few laps.

WTAE's Ellen Gamble reports that a Zambelli fireworks display will cap the opening day at 8:30 p.m.

The 9,600-square-foot, diamond-shaped outdoor rink surrounds a 60-foot Christmas tree. It is the only ice rink in downtown Pittsburgh.

"I have seen rinks in a few other cities but none of them are quite like this one," Boitano told WTAE Action News. "I think the thing that sets it apart is the tree in the middle. It creates a total feeling of holiday pleasure."

Video

Chris Glorioso Skates The Rink

The rink will be open seven days a week and on Christmas, closing for the season at the end of February 2002.

It'll be open on Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 8 p.m.; and Christmas day from 2 to 8 p.m.

Admission will be $5 for adults and $4 for children and senior citizens. Skate rental is $3.

For more information, call 412-394-3641.

Discussion:

• Is PPG Place Skating Rink A Good Idea?