SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is lacing up for its 18th season at San Francisco’s Union Square, bringing a winter wonderland to the heart of the city.
“We’re really excited,” said Robert Keith, director of rink operations. “We started building the rink about eight days ago. People kept coming by saying, ‘Wow, there’s the Chiller on Post Street.’ They said, ‘OMG, the ice rink is back, it’s back!'”
People from near and far made it out to opening night Wednesday, ready to hit the ice.
“It’s pretty special,” said Eric Madeiors, who lives in Daly City. “Things are always exciting around this time anyway. But to do it on the first day really makes it more magical, I feel like.”
At the celebration, local and state leaders admit this area has faced many challenges in years past with stores shuttering during the pandemic and smash-and-grabs.
“Union Square has struggled in the last five years, but it is coming back,” said California Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). “It is coming back — new stores are coming in.”
Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance, said she projects this holiday season to bring even more economic growth than the last.
“We want to thank those who lean in to help San Francisco have the biggest comeback ever,” said Rodriguez. “We’re hearing a lot of good news — good news from Macy’s, good news from restaurants. Look, Steph Curry wants to invest in Union Square, so that tells us this is it. The focal point is here.”
The good news from Macy’s coming this week is announcing its flagship store will be staying at Union Square. With the help of new investment partners, the store is reimagining what kind of ways it could share its prime real estate.
“There’s a lot of room there, there’s room for potentially housing,” added Rodriguez. “Maybe a beautiful housing complex opportunity could be housed in the space.”
San Francisco District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter said while this holiday looks to be bright, there is more work to be done.
“There are still too many vacancies, and we are still seeing international tourism being a little soft,” said Supervisor Sauter. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. But compare it to where we were a year ago — I think as people come down here for the holidays, they will feel and see that.”
The tree at Union Square will officially light up Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The holiday ice rink is open until Monday, Jan. 19.
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