2010 ice skating season starts in Bitburg

  • Published
  • By Iris Reiff
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
Ice skating continues to be a popular sport in Germany at this time of the year. It's a fun way to stay in good shape and spend time with friends and family. Two ice rinks can be found in the Eifel area, one of which is in Trier and the other right outside the base, in Bitburg.

The Bitburg rink was opened to the public in 1982. The rink is now open for the 2010 season and will remain open until April.

Bitburg's rink is open Monday 8:30- 12:30 p.m., Tuesday it is open 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m., Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2- 8 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 2- 6 p.m, Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2- 10 p.m., Saturday 2- 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. On German holidays, the rink opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Additional information on hours and prices can be obtained at 06561-8447, www.eissporthalle-bitburg.de or via email at eissporthalle-bitburg@t-online.de.

Furthermore, the rink is open for special fitness hours at various times. At times, the rink is reserved for practice by the Bitburg ice skating association and for hockey games. Although people can't skate during training hours, observers are welcome to watch practice hours for hockey games, figure training or curling by the ice sports association. The training hours for hockey, figure skating and curling are printed on the training board in the lobby of the skating rink.

School and kindergarten groups typically skate 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Groups may also reserve the rink Monday afternoon when it is normally closed.

Ice hockey sticks and pucks will be provided free of charge for school classes.

The Bitburg ice sports association offers various activities, and anyone can join. Ask ice rink officials about their membership fees and join the club. Applications for membership in the German team "Eissportverein Bitburg e.V." are available at the cashier.

Children and youth 18 and younger can enter for two Euros Tuesday-Friday until 6 p.m.

Ice skates are available in sizes 25 to 50 and can be rented when presenting a valid identification card. Children and youngsters up to age 18 pay two Euros for skate rental.

Entry is four Euros per adult for single entry. Adults pay 30 Euros for a booklet of ten tickets and 130 Euros for a booklet of 50 tickets; be aware that tickets in bulk are not transferable. Children and youngsters up to age 18 pay three Euros for a single entry, 20 Euros for ten tickets and 95 Euros for 50 tickets, and these tickets are also not transferable. Adults pay 3,50 Euros for a single ticket in a group of ten or more and children and youngsters, up to age 18 pay, 2,50 in groups of ten or more. Skate rental is three Euros per person. School groups pay two Euros per person. Families pay four Euros for each adult and one Euro for each child up to age 12 Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sometimes the rink offers Spielfeste or play festivals on ice, discos and other fun events for young and old. Some events require skaters to present their valid Identification cards in order to enter events like disco that only allow people age 18 and older admittance. .

Ice hockey games also take place frequently at Bitburg's rink. Observers are welcome. The rink is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Fasching Sunday. It is open on New Year's Day from 2 p.m. on.

Information about training possibilities, ice hockey, figure skating and curling can be obtained at the ice stadium at 06561-8447 or via email at Eissporthalle.bitburg@t-online.de.

A fast food restaurant and a skating and hockey goods store are also available at the rink.

The Bitburg ice rink complex also has a "Funpark" entertainment section and offers a party room for children's birthday parties. The party room can be rented for eight Euros. In this area, a speed hockey table, German football table and climbing wall are available.

To get to the Bitburg ice rink, stay on B-50 until it reaches the T-intersection. Turn right going towards the center of town until you see a white sign on the right-hand side that says "Eissporthalle" (ice rink). Turn left and follow the signs.