East Brunswick Ice Arena Grand Opening Set For Sunday With NJ Devils Alumni, Free Skating

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick's long-awaited ice arena opens its doors to the public Sunday, with a full day of ceremonies, skating exhibitions, hockey games and family activities — and three Stanley Cup champions on hand to mark the occasion.

The grand opening begins at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the front of the building, followed by a welcome address from Mayor Brad Cohen at 10:30 a.m. on Rink 1.

New Jersey Devils alumni Colin White, Grant Marshall and Bruce Driver — all Stanley Cup champions — will join the celebration alongside the team's mascot, the NJ Devil.

Brunswick the Bear, the arena's own mascot, will also make appearances throughout the day.

Here is the full schedule of events:

• 10 a.m. — Official ribbon cutting, front of building

• 10:30 a.m. — Welcome address from Mayor Brad Cohen, Rink 1

On-Ice Events

• 11–11:30 a.m. — Figure skating exhibition, Rink 1

• Noon–1:30 p.m. — Alumni hockey game featuring NJ Devils legends, Rink 1

• 2–3:30 p.m. — Hockey game, Rink 1

• 3–3:30 p.m. — Figure skating exhibition, Rink 2

• 4–5:30 p.m. — Hockey game, Rink 2

Public Skate (free; fully booked)

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Rink 2

• 1:30–2:30 p.m., Rink 2

• 4–5 p.m., Rink 1

Off-Ice Demonstrations (limited spots remain)

• Brittany Fedun — Elite Fitness

• Katie Richter — EBIA Skating Coach

• Will Fraumendi — SETS

• Diamond K Dance Studio Performance

Family Activities (10 a.m.–1 p.m.)

• Touch-A-Truck with East Brunswick Police and Fire Departments

• Photo booth

• Craft room and games

• Promotional tables

• Concessions

Visitors are encouraged to pick up an Activity Passport at the Recreation Table when they arrive. The passport works as a self-guided tour of the day's events — guests collect stamps from Youth Council volunteers or Ice Arena staff at different stations and activities around the arena.

Anyone who collects six stamps and returns a completed passport to the Recreation Table will be entered to win one of several grand opening prizes. Participants should write their name and phone number on the passport before turning it in.

With the opening, the arena launches a full slate of programs. Freestyle sessions begin Monday, March 23. Free Learn to Skate trial classes are offered Tuesday, March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Learn to Skate program itself kicks off March 31 and runs Tuesdays and Saturdays. Public skate sessions begin Friday, March 27.

For adults, a "Blades & Brew" 18-and-older public skate session launches Thursdays starting April 2, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Hockey programming is operated by Black Bear Sports Group. Residents interested in adult leagues, youth hockey or learn-to-play programs can email ebicearena@eastbrunswick.org. The arena is also accepting requests for birthday parties and private ice bookings, with availability starting in April.

Registration for skating programs is available at eastbrunswick.finnlyconnect.com. Full program information can be found at eastbrunswick.org/1022/Ice-Arena.

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