Edinburgh Ice Rink: Murrayfield Ice Arena opening date revealed as much-loved ice-skating venue returns

Get your skates on, folks! Edinburgh's iconic Murrayfield Ice Rink is set to reopen to the public in October – and the much-loved venue has now confirmed its exact opening date.

The Riverside Crescent venue, which was forced to shut in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, returns after a major refurbishment with a new management team at the helm.

It follows previous reports that the future viability of the rink was ‘a serious concern’.

In October 2021, staff members said significant funding would be needed to save the rink amid “depleting funds, ongoing overheads and additional costs to comply with new operational guidelines which require a number of changes to the building”.

Edinburgh's iconic Murrayfield Ice Rink is set to reopen in October.

Now, it has been announced that the newly-renamed Murrayfield Ice Arena will reopen to the public on Friday, October 14.

Sharing the good news, the venue’s owners said: “From the start of October, the facility will be under the management of a new operating company Murrayfield Ice Arena with the business continuing primarily as an ice rink.

“Work is currently underway to repair the damage caused by a major brine leak under the concrete pad, which occurred in February 2021.

“Murrayfield Ice Arena are excited to take stewardship of this historic venue in the Capital and will work directly and in partnership with all activities hosted in the rink to help ensure ice sports can thrive over the coming years.”

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, Murrayfield Ice Arena’s new promotional manager, Donna Hall, said: “The re-opening is indeed very exciting.

“We are looking forward to hosting some amazing Capitals games, ice hockey as you know is great entertainment for all the family.

“As well as our permanent vacancies, we are looking for local bands and performers to take a slot at our weekend party nights alongside our DJs, using the new sound equipment and four decks... we all know Edinburgh's got Talent!

“Our re-vamped community dog friendly cafe – the Iceberg Cafe – is already open and welcoming regulars from 9 to 5 daily.

“Between now and our opening date, we have a special offer of £5 for cake and coffee.”

Murrayfield Ice Rink as been part of the city’s sports scene since the early 1950s, although the category B-listed building dates back to 1938, when it was designed in the art deco style by architects J B Dunn and G L Martin.