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Don't miss out - Skating in the Sky Jan 1st to April 8th!
Imagine a story book skate in the sky with the city lights behind you and a SKYY® High Cocktail to look forward to after you finish. Or, if your own storyline includes kids, enjoy a morning of figure-eights or first steps on ice, followed by hot chocolates all round in our Lavazza Espression Café. From January 1st, we're opening a synthetic ice skating rink at more than 1,000 feet - and it'll be a world first at this height! The rink is 900 square feet and constructed of a state-of-the-art synthetic substance called XTRAICE. You can skate above The Magnificent Mile® and overlook sky high views of the city’s lakefront skyline and bustling Lake Shore Drive.
Skates, rates and dates.
So here's the deal. The rink is open for skating every day from January 1 - April 8th, 2012 and you can skate any time of the day from 9am-11pm (last session sold at 10pm). Each 25 minute skating session is only $5 on top of JHO admission and if you don't bring skates, we'll rent ours to you on the 94th floor for only a buck.
Don’t know how to skate?
We have just the answer… Thanks to our friends the Chicago Blackhawks, you can learn to skate with Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey coaches every Monday for three 30 minute sessions at 4:30pm, 5pm and 5:30pm. The lesson is FREE but normal admission fees apply to JHO and Skating in the Sky. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity and, as lessons are limited, get in quick!
How about taking your birthday party or
corporate event to new heights?
Yes that’s right, we have developed a range of package options and if you have 20 guests, we will exclusively book the rink for you and your group!
Skating in the Sky Birthday Party
What's included:
• VIP Fast Pass admission to JHO
• Skating in the Sky – 25 minutes
• Reserved tables in our Lavazza Espression Café
• Sky High Boxed Lunch (includes Sandwich, Bottled water, Chips, Gelato)
• Custom John Hancock Center cake – serves up to 20
T&C’s – Minimum of 10 guests is required for all birthday party packages and a minimum of 20 guests is required for exclusive book. All bookings are subject to availability. Skate rental is included in the price per person. Custom cake can be made to order. 4 different sandwich options. 50% deposit is required to confirm reservation.
Corporate Skating in the Sky Event
Add something unique to your corporate event or team building exercise and have the ‘ice’ exclusively to yourself. A two-hour minimum is required on all events at a rate of $2,500 and $1,000 for each additional hour. The price includes the ice rink and up to 100 guests. ($25 per person for each additional guest) Skates will be provided for all guests and talk to our Event Producer Jo-El Lacy for a range of food and beverage packages.
Here’s the FINE print…
Believe us, we trust your skating ability but here is a word from our Lawyers.
• Guests must be checked in on the 94th floor at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled ice time.
• No refunds will be given for late arrival, rescheduling may be an option but not guaranteed.
• Skating in the Sky is an additional charge and John Hancock Observatory general admission fee is still required.
• Skating in the Sky ticket is valid for one (1) 25 minute session beginning at the scheduled start time.
• Each individual will be required to present a signed Hold Harmless Waiver before skating.
• Children under 18 will need to have a Hold Harmless Waiver signed by their legal guardian.
• Hold Harmless Waivers should be downloaded from below and completed in advance.
• We reserve the right to remove any person from the ice for any reason deemed appropriate. Neither refunds nor compensation will be given.
• Chicago Blackhawks Learn to Skate requires a helmet to be worn which will be provided by JHO.
• Rink Rules will be posted onsite and can be downloaded below.
A long tradition of ice skating at John Hancock Center
The idea of a skating rink on the 94th floor of the building may be new, but it's also part of Chicago's history too. In fact, shortly after the John Hancock Center first opened, it had a real ice skating rink in the sunken plaza right in front of the building.
Reports of the day indicate that the skating rink was popular - but sadly was closed as winds whipped up by the Hancock Center would hurl debris from nearby construction projects at the helpless skaters! Skating at John Hancock faded from Chicago's collective memory shortly thereafter - only to be revived this year - high above the clouds and in the warmth of the Observatory.
*Skating in the Sky photography provided by Jeff Brown.
