In a surprising shift, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has decided not to reopen its beloved ice-skating rink this winter. Since 2011, the fourth-floor Boulevard Tower pool had been transformed into a 4,200-square-foot ice rink every holiday season, complete with real ice, fire pits, snow showers, and themed cocktails, offering a unique winter experience in the heart of the desert. However, this year marks the end of what became a cherished tradition for both locals and tourists.
News of the rink’s closure was initially shared by the “Five Hundy by Midnight” podcast, indicating that the casino is not only skipping the seasonal setup but also planning to sell many of its ice rink assets. The rink, which typically announced its opening between late October and early November with festivities kicking off around Thanksgiving, is now being disassembled and auctioned off, signaling a definitive end to its operation.
The sale includes a wide range of items necessary for the ice rink’s setup. Stored in a Las Vegas warehouse, the equipment takes up about five semi-trailers and includes rink walls, a complete temporary plumbing system for antifreeze, furniture, skates, and even plastic reindeer. Notably, a Zamboni is also up for grabs, although it reportedly requires some maintenance before it can be used. The auction stipulates that these items cannot be sold or used within Clark County, NV, likely to prevent competitors from replicating The Cosmopolitan’s ice rink experience.
This strategic move seems to be a protective measure against local competition, particularly the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which has been The Cosmopolitan’s primary rival in offering seasonal ice rinks. Fontainebleau has its own Oasis Ice Rink, spanning 7,500 feet, on its third-floor pool deck. With The Cosmopolitan stepping back from the ice rink scene, Fontainebleau might become the sole provider of this winter activity in Clark County this season.
The Cosmopolitan’s ice rink was a popular winter destination, allowing guests to skate amidst the festive tunes of Christmas music while enjoying panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip. Post skating, visitors could unwind in Adirondack chairs by custom fire pits, indulging in seasonal cocktails with flavors like pumpkin, rum, chocolate, and marshmallow.
To keep the merriment alive, the rink hosted themed nights throughout the season. Mondays were for “Date Skate,” complete with holiday movies projected on the hotel’s 65-foot digital marquee, creating an ideal romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, “Throwback Thursdays” encouraged visitors to embrace nostalgia, gliding across the ice to hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s in vibrant retro attire.
Despite the rink’s evident popularity, The Cosmopolitan has decided to pivot away from this winter attraction. While the exact reasons for this decision remain unconfirmed, industry analysts suggest it could be a strategic shift to focus on other offerings, possibly reallocating resources to areas with higher profit margins or less operational complexity. The cost and logistics of setting up and maintaining the ice rink each year might have outweighed the benefits, especially if visitor numbers fluctuated.
Conversely, some believe this move could leave a void in the local seasonal entertainment scene. The absence of The Cosmopolitan’s ice rink might discourage some visitors who looked forward to this unique Las Vegas tradition. However, others speculate that this shift could open opportunities for other venues to innovate and perhaps introduce new attractions that could captivate holiday crowds in different ways.
The decision to sell the rink’s components also suggests that The Cosmopolitan is closing this chapter permanently, hinting at a broader strategy under the management of its parent company, MGM Resorts International, to refine its brand identity or realign its market positioning.
With Fontainebleau now poised to capture the full market for this particular type of holiday entertainment, the dynamics of Las Vegas’s seasonal offerings may shift. Fontainebleau’s management might seize this opportunity to expand its rink’s capacity or enhance its features to accommodate the potential increase in visitors.
As the Las Vegas holiday season approaches, the absence of The Cosmopolitan’s ice rink will undoubtedly be felt. Yet, in a city known for its resilience and innovation, this change may usher in a new era of attractions that could redefine the holiday experience on the Strip. Whether this will spur more businesses to offer alternative winter festivities or if Fontainebleau will become the reigning champion in this niche, only time will tell. For now, Las Vegas visitors will have one less ice-skating option, but in a town that thrives on spectacle and novelty, new offerings are likely just around the corner.
David Harrison stands tall in gambling journalism, marrying his firsthand casino experiences with a deep understanding of betting psychology. His articles transform complex gambling jargon into engaging tales of strategy and chance, making the world of betting accessible and enjoyable. David’s knack for narrative extends beyond print, making him a sought-after speaker on gambling trends and future bets. In the realm of gambling, David is both a scholar and a storyteller, captivating readers and listeners alike.
