FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (November 10, 2011) - Winter Skate at Patriot Place, with new partner Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, returns for its third year beginning November 18. The popular, publicly-accessible outdoor ice skating surface provides ideal outdoor entertainment for families, couples and friends and a convenient opportunity to stay active through the winter months.

The 60-by-140-foot, professionally-maintained ice surface is specifically designed for recreational skating and features an observation deck for non-skaters. The surface is large enough to accommodate recreational skating, hockey and private events.

"We are excited both for the return of Winter Skate and for our new partnership with Harvard Pilgrim," said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. "We received an overwhelming response from the community the past two winter skating seasons, with thousands of people of all ages coming out to skate, play and make memories. We look forward to building on the Winter Skate tradition this season."

"Skating is a perfect way for New Englanders to celebrate their health and well-being this winter," said Eric Schultz, Harvard Pilgrim's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Harvard Pilgrim is pleased to sponsor this wonderful family-friendly activity."

To celebrate the return of Winter Skate, Patriot Place and Harvard Pilgrim will offer free skating on Friday, Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for anyone who brings a new or gently used coat to benefit Cradles to Crayons. Winter Skate will continue to collect coat donations as part of the Cradles to Crayons Coat Drive at Patriot Place until Feb. 28, and patrons who donate will receive $2.00 off admission.

Winter Skate will offer public skating from 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4 to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and all school holidays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Winter Skate will be open until late February.  Parking is free and concessions and bathrooms are available.

Standard skating price is $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Harvard Pilgrim members receive a $2 off admission by showing their membership card. On-site skate rentals are $4. Full season passes for families are $100.

Individual season passes are $75 for adults and $60 for children and seniors. Individual admission and season passes do not include skate rentals. Group rates, private events and hockey rentals are available by calling 508-203-2100 or by e-mail at WinterSkate@Patriot-Place.com.

Winter Skate is located at Patriot Place, adjacent to Route 1, near the Renaissance Hotel & Spa. It is steps from Patriot Place's north marketplace, which offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options, a 14-screen movie theatre and one-of-a-kind attractions like The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon and the new 5 Wits experience, "Espionage."

For more information, visit http://www.patriot-place.com/winterskate.aspx.