Playland Ice Casino Reopens
Surrounded by skaters and hockey players, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino threw down a ceremonial puck on center ice last week to mark the reopening of the famed Ice Casino at Playland, which had to be closed after suffering severe damage from Superstorm Sandy two years ago to the day – Superstorm Sandy tore through the east coast on the evening of October 29 into the morning of October 30, 2012.
The 85-year-old casino was renovated and fully preserved at a cost of $4.9 million.
“Our Ice Casino at Playland is like a great athlete,” Astorino said during the opening ceremony. “When it gets knocked down, it gets up and comes back stronger than ever.”
Part of the opening festivities was an announcement that Westchester-based American Skating Entertainment Centers is partnering with the county in managing the facility.
The Ice Casino is now being operated as Playland Ice under a 10-year agreement (with an option to renew for another 10 years) with American Skating investing $640,000 of its money into the building over the next 18 months for capital improvements. This money will go largely toward refurbishing and modernizing the interior with upgraded floors, lighting, electronics, bathrooms, locker rooms and guest services areas.
The men’s and women’s hockey teams from Manhattanville College, whose players were on hand for the reopening of the rink and arena, will be using the new facility. Other returning groups and teams include the Westchester Dragons/Mariners, Rye Rangers, New Rochelle Lightning, Hockey North America, Rye Figure Skating Club, Westchester Vipers, HVHL Mite League, Rye High School, Fordham Prep, Nates Euro Hockey, Rye Town Titans and Team Image.
