Rich Entertainment Group, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, donated more than 46,000 admission and skate rental tickets to the Ice at Canalside for students, faculty and staff of Buffalo Public Schools, a gift valued at more than $500,000.
The donation was announced on December 3, 2025, and a group of BPS students took a field trip to the Ice at Canalside to participate in the announcement and take a few laps around the rink.
“Enjoying a day of ice skating at Canalside this winter is a wonderful way for Buffalo Public Schools students and others to create lasting memories while spending time with friends and family,” said Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Pascal Mubenga. “On behalf of the entire Buffalo Public Schools community and the Buffalo Board of Education, I wish to express our gratitude to the Rich Entertainment Group and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for their generous donation of tens of thousands of complimentary tickets for ice skating and equipment rentals for the Canalside rink during this holiday season.”
This marks the fourth season REG has donated free skating passes to Buffalo Public Schools; the tradition speaks to the company’s commitment to giving back to the Buffalo community in meaningful ways.
“At Rich Entertainment Group, we believe in creating experiences that bring joy and connection to our community,” said Joe Segarra, President of Rich Entertainment Group. “Providing Buffalo Public School students with access to the Ice at Canalside is about more than skating—it’s about fostering healthy lifestyles, celebrating our waterfront, andensuring every child has the chance to make lasting winter memories.”
Ice at Canalside Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed for ice maintenance and leagues. Private parties welcome.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday: 1p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours:
- Winter Break, Dec. 22 – Jan. 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- *Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- *Christmas Day, December 25: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- February Break, Feb. 17 – Feb. 19: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Skating hours of operation, rates and packages can be found here.
*Please note, hours may vary depending on weather. For updates, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com or follow Buffalo Waterfront on social media.
About Buffalo Waterfront
Buffalo’s Waterfront is a growing regional destination and entertainment district encompassing Canalside and Outer Harbor. The Buffalo Waterfront hosts large events and daily activities of all types and strives to provide public access to the land and waterways on the Lake Erie shoreline. Operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group – a subsidiary of Rich Products, the Buffalo Waterfront is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit BuffaloWaterfront.com.