The entertainment venue at the stadium has significantly increased in size compared to the previous season. It will operate daily through the winter, apart from Mondays.

The skating rink’s decorations this year are themed around the Ekaterinburg 2023 FISU World University Games. Ice sculptures of the mascots greet guests at the entrance, while information stands inside the park assist them in finding out more about the upcoming event.

Minister of Physical Culture and Sport of the Sverdlovsk Region Leonid Rapoport, donning the Ded Moroz costume – the Russian equivalent of Santa Clause –, officially opened the skating rink and rode the symbolic distance of 2022 meters that represented the upcoming New Year.

“I want to wish everyone here a Happy New Year and good health! The year 2022 is almost here, which means less and less time remains until a very important and exciting event for our city, the Ekaterinburg 2023 FISU World University Games. Do visit the skating rink during the holidays to get your dose of energy and positive emotions out in the fresh air”, – the Minister of Sport greeted guests.

Ambassador of the Ekaterinburg 2023 FISU World University Games and winner of Dakar rally Sergei Kariakin also took part in the ceremony. The racer talked and took photos with the guests and participated in the event’s activities.

The program of the opening ceremony included ice-skating and drum performances, flash mobs performed by the future volunteers of the Ekaterinburg 2023 FISU Games, and quizzes with a chance to win prizes with the symbols of the Games. Throughout the event, mascots of the upcoming competition, Cedry, Heaty and Yaggi, were helping guests to get into the festive spirit.

The celebration ended with the traditional ice-skating disco.

Orginal article by Ekaterinburg 2023