The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today its participation in a unique community initiative for Lightning fans to enjoy throughout the upcoming holiday season, as it presents Tampa's Downtown on Ice. The goal of Tampa's Downtown on Ice is to draw people to Downtown Tampa, attract local, regional and state interest in Tampa, and make downtown a destination during the holidays.

Beginning November 16 and running through January 5, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, located at 600 N. Ashley Dr. in Downtown Tampa, will transform into a winter wonderland and feature the city's only outdoor ice rink for community members to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

"The Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc. and the City of Tampa are delighted to partner with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tampa's Downtown on Ice for the 2012 holiday season," said Kitty Lyons, executive director of Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.

Lightning chief operating officer Steve Griggs will kick off the opening ceremony with Tampa mayor, Bob Buckhorn, at 4 p.m. today, November 16, at Curtis Hixon Park.

The rink will be open every day, including Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. In observance of the holidays, the rink will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. On Christmas Eve, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also operate on Christmas Day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission is $10 per person and includes 90 minutes of skating and skate rental. Group rates are available and the rink is available for private parties. A special discount of $2 off is available to Tampa Bay Lightning ThunderBug’s Kids Club members. To sign up for a free Kids Club membership, visit tampabaylightning.com/kidsclub.

In addition to providing fun throughout the majority of the winter season, the park will also host a number of great community events in the days leading up to Christmas. On December 1, the city's annual Santa Fest will kick off at 11 a.m. and include a variety of activities such as ice skating, a holiday crafts fair, a visit with Santa Claus, continuous holiday entertainment and more. There will also be a holiday parade to serve as the highlight of the event, which will caravan through the streets of Downtown Tampa.

For more information, visit tampasdowntownonice.com.