If you've got it, haunt it – public skating sets record at the Oval

This year's Oval After Dark transformed the Olympic Oval into an “educational nightmare” — a massive, haunted school. Hundreds of new guests came to experience the creepy atmosphere.

The annual Halloween celebration is one reason why, after 38 years in business, the Fastest Ice in the World is more popular than ever. 

Nearly 40,000 people skated at the Oval last season, a new record. The 2024-’25 season marks the third year of hosting key monthly skating events in response to customer requests for more activities. The Oval typically launches its event season with Pride and Glide in September, followed by two Halloween events in October. The 2024 Halloween season, which featured the Halloween Family Skate and Oval After Dark, attracted ghoulish guests from all over Alberta.

"Pride and Halloween are great opportunities to gauge how much engagement we need to create in the community through events. While skating is enjoyable on its own, linking it to a special event significantly boosts attendance," says Katie De Boer, marketing and communications specialist. “Ultimately, we must deliver outstanding events that keep our guests returning.” 

The previous attendance record was 36,277 public skating admissions in the 2023-’24 season.

Transforming a space of 150,000 square feet is no easy task on a tight budget. Each event, especially Halloween, requires clever lighting, sound effects and LED screens to create a unique guest experience. The Oval hired additional performers and actors from the Faculty of Arts to help with the Halloween production.

Upcoming events

As attendance continues to grow, the Oval is ready to host more guests. Don't miss the upcoming Holiday Market and Skate on Nov. 23, which will be larger and more vibrant than ever, featuring 80 talented UCalgary student and alumni vendors showcasing their unique products and services. Guests can enjoy shopping while skating. In December, there will be the ever-popular Skate with Santa, and, in February 2025, the Oval will host its first Sport Calgary Family Day.

"We are creating annual events that are meant to bring added value to recreational public skating. Our guests desire more, and we are excited to meet those needs. The endgame, of course, is to get people to be more active and have fun," says Oval director Mark Messer.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit the Olympic Oval website.