Every Wednesday, students receive a $3.00 discount from the regular $6.00, which includes skate rental. This week, students wearing Mardi Gras apparel can take an extra half-off for a final price of $1.50. The discount for skating is from 10:30 p.m. to midnight and is in the main hockey rink.

Bill Switaj, manager of the Kent State Ice Arena, said it is a fun event for students to have midway through the week.

“It’s great when we have so many students coming out to skate,” Switja said.

“We really try to make it fun for everyone. Some students really get into it and dress up. It makes it more fun for the students when they get involved.”

So far this semester, the ice arena has offered half-off student discounts with football and America themes. These events brought in crowds of 100 to 200 students.

Matt Koczwara, sophomore and student marketer for the Kent State Ice Arena, said certain themes are chosen because they will receive student support.

“It’s an incentive to get a ton of people out here, but it’s always a real fun time,” Koczwara said. “We have a theme, like a certain color to wear, that everyone can get into, and a themes like super-heroes, which is when you will see some fun costumes. We dim the lights to give [the rink] a different atmosphere and set the mood.”

Koczwara said there is a DJ, different dance and limbo competitions and giveaways, such as gift cards, free skate passes and shirts.

Carmen Bonamico, junior integrated health studies major, said he enjoys going skating on Wednesday nights.

“I like that the ice arena has discounted tickets; it gives me more of a reason to go,” Bonamico said. “I have a blast, and it’s a way to escape school work and have some fun.”

Kellie Roach, senior communication studies major, said she likes that the facility is being used for the students.

“I would never think of going to skate, but having the discount really makes me want to go,” Roach said. “There isn’t much else to do Wednesday nights, and I like that it doesn’t cost much to go skate.”

The Ice Arena has other themed nights planned for Wednesdays throughout the rest of the semester.

Contact Matt Orszag at [email protected].