The outdoor synthetic ice skating rink that was set to open in downtown Owensboro this weekend is instead cancelled for 2020. The rink — called “Energy on Ice” — is expected to open in winter 2021.
The announcement came Wednesday from Spectra, the providers of venue management to the Owensboro Convention Center.
“In coordination with the City of Owensboro, we determined that with the new COVID mandates currently in place, we cannot present the holiday atmosphere as was envisioned for this event,” said Spectra’s General Manager, Laura Alexander. “Capacity on the ice would now be even more limited, and too much would be taken away from the inaugural year of this event to try and move forward.”
The rink was set to be the main attraction for the new Winter Wonderland, an annual event that used to be held in Owensboro.
City of Owensboro Director of Public Events Tim Ross said they are obviously disappointed that another event has to be cancelled in 2020.
“We had several holiday events planned centering around the new Energy on Ice rink along the riverfront,” he said. “Unfortunately those plans will not be possible this year, but we are excited about a jam-packed calendar for 2021 and look forward to implementing these new events during the holiday season next year.”
It was announced in early September that “Energy on Ice” would be created on McConnell Plaza using no taxpayer money through a local corporate partnership that will last through 2027.
The 80×60 rink, made of synthetic ice also utilized by NHL teams, is not dependent on weather or temperature which allows for year-round usage. The Owensboro Convention Center will manage the operations.
Corporate partners include Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Atmos Energy, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, and the Staton Family Foundation.
