Market Square and PPG Place in Pittsburgh

By Olivia George

PPG place is home to one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in all of Pittsburgh, and the annual Ice Rink and Wintergarden holiday event just adds to the magic of this already entrancing place. It’s by far Pittsburgh’s most popular winter outings, attracting locals and visitors throughout the entire season. The rink was expanded in 2015, it now stretches 116 feet long and 116 feet wide. The rink is open from November to February and is even open on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Tickets must be purchased online, and each skater chooses a reserved time slot to use the rink. Face masks must always be worn, including while waiting in line and while skating. If one works up an appetite while skating, grab a burger at Five Guys for a quick bite or enjoy a more elegant meal at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The standard admission to skate is $11, plus a $5 rental fee if one doesn’t own skates. Discounts are available for kids up to age 12, adults over 50, and military members. There are also weekly events for even more savings, such as Tuesday Family Nights and Wednesday student nights. On Tuesday’s kids skate for free if they are accompanied by a paying adult, while on Wednesdays anyone with a student ID skates for just $4. I asked two students, Morgan Mckeel and Mayson Kelly if they knew what Market Square was. They both replied with “yes.” Additionally, I asked if they were interested in going this year and they said “yes, I’ve been therebefore and I would love to go again,”