VDNH has closed its 2020/21 winter season. It was dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by Russian explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev. Photo installation Discovering Antarctica Together, tubing slides and snowmobile, ATV and ski tracks were open for visitors. And, of course, the most popular activity was the skating rink at the main alley. Despite COVID-19 regulations, from 27 November to 28 February, the skating rink saw over 283,000 visitors.
This winter's epidemiological situation has compelled VDNH to introduce a new skating format. To minimise human contact, tickets were sold online and skaters were only allowed to access a specific pavilion during certain hours. These measures allowed visitors to feel comfortable at Moscow's largest skating rink. Within three months, it hosted more than 283,000 people.
The skating rink first opened 27 November 2020. The 20,500 square metres of synthetic ice are situated near Pavilion No. 1, Tsentralny, and Pavilion No. 58, Agriculture, winding around the historic Friendship of Peoples and Stone Flower fountains. The skating rink was designed considering all safety regulations from Rospotrebnadzor. Disinfection points were installed at the entrance, visitors had their temperatures taken, surfaces were regularly cleaned and skates were specially treated after use.
The skating rink contains four entrance pavilions housing skate rentals (including children's skates), a luxury business pavilion and an express pavilion. Skates were hired at least 91,777 times, the sharpening service was utilised 5,702 times and the First Steps on the Ice service was engaged 439 times.
During the entire season, VDNH has offered a discount programme to members of multi-child families, orphans, peoples with disabilities of groups I and II, military veterans, pensioners as well as other categories. Within three months, over 16,000 visitors skated for free.
On 14 February, the skating rink hosted a marriage registration ceremony for the first time. The participants of this unique wedding were on skates, and the official was conducted by an employee of VDNH's Wedding Palace. On 21 February, visitors competed in skating competitions and watched the rising stars of Russian speed skating as part of the Moscow Lightning festival. On 28 February, the season was closed with a traditional charity campaign in support of critically ill children. All money raised from ticket sales were donated to Konstantin Khabensky Charity Foundation, a hospice supporting Vera Foundation and the I Am! Foundation.
On top of that, tubing slides, children's snowmobile and ATV trails, ski tracks and an admission-free skating rink at the Ostankino park were available. Finally, the Discovering Antarctica Together photo installation, which was devoted to the extraordinary beauty and mysterious nature of the South Pole, was open to the public.
Skating Rink Partners: Mir payment system, Capital Group, RZD, Curtis, ZASPORT.
Skating Rink Informational Partners: Muz-TV, Radio 7, VKontakte Videos, Rambler, MEGOGO.
Information Partners of the Children's Skating Rink: Mult, Mel.
Tubing Slide Partner: Lay’s.