“Penguins Pond,” the Pittsburgh Penguins’ unique outdoor ice rink, will open for public skating Friday, December 14 at the new Highmark Stadium – located at Station Square near the Fort Pitt Bridge.

“Penguins Pond” will feature youth and adult hockey in addition to public skating and will operate daily through January 13. It is a collaborative effort of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Highmark Stadium and 84 Lumber.

The grand opening and first public skating session will be held Friday, December 14 at 2 p.m.

“The new Highmark Stadium will be a spectacular venue for ‘Penguins Pond,’ giving kids and families a chance to skate together outdoors while enjoying the breathtaking Pittsburgh skyline,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the Penguins. “For us, the tradition began two years ago when we hosted the Winter Classic at Heinz Field. The idea of an outdoor rink during the holidays was so popular that we wanted to make it an annual winter fixture here in the City.”

This will be the first public event at Highmark Stadium, the new home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Pittsburgh Passion. The $10.2 million multi-sport and entertainment facility will officially open in the spring after more than eight months of construction.

“Highmark Stadium is a great addition to the City that has been made possible by the collaboration and sponsorship of several important local companies, groups and individuals,” said Jason Kutney, CEO of the Riverhounds. “Partnering with the Penguins will allow families and athletes to experience everything Highmark Stadium will have to offer.”

“Penguins Pond” will operate weekdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission for public skating will be $7, and rental skates will be $3.

Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more. For reservations, please email pensoutdoor@magiciceusa.com or call 412.818.7310.

The Penguins operated an outdoor rink on the North Shore during the 2010 holiday season and at SouthSide Works last year.

For more detailed information and hours of operation, please visit www.pittsburghpenguins.com/penguinspond

For more information on the new Highmark Stadium, please visit www.HighmarkStadium.com