Citi Pond(SM) At Bryant Park Kicks-Off Its Sixth Year As NYC's Only Free-Admission Ice Skating Rink With An Extended 2010-2011 Season

NEW YORK, NY, October 31, 2010 (Press-News.org) Manhattan's most celebrated holiday epicenter, Citi Pond(SM) at Bryant Park opens on Friday, October 29th with a new, extended season. Bryant Park will transform, once again, into an outdoor shopping, skating, entertainment and people-watching destination for its sixth consecutive season. In addition to more than thirty additional days of free-admission ice skating with a season lasting through February 27, 2011, Celsius, a restaurant, lounge and event space will debut with new decor and food and beverage additions; while The Holiday Shops will open November 5 and feature 125 plus vendors ranging from unique craft vendors to well established specialty retailers.

Citi Pond at Bryant Park, formerly known as The Pond at Bryant Park, will open its season with a new identity, incorporating edgy, personified branding inspired by 1940's and 1950's classic Bryant Park images. Visitors are also encouraged to engage with Citi Pond's user-friendly social media platforms for promotions and news updates via Facebook: facebook.com/citipond.

"Citi is thrilled to be part of yet another season of Citi Pond at Bryant Park which continues to become a bigger and bigger part of the New York experience," said Bill Brown, Citibank's Manhattan Division Manager. "Our goal has always been to give back to the New York community and this year we hope guests will join us in 'Taking a Snow Day'. We're excited to see Bryant Park transform into a winter wonderland for New Yorkers and visitors alike to come, play shop and skate."

The new identity demonstrates the destinations continued evolution; but the favored daily attractions remain the same, many with even more enticing updates. Celsius dining and entertainment, shopping at The Holiday Shops, free-admission ice skating, corporate and social holiday parties and the famed Annual Tree Lighting event are unsurpassed at this Midtown Manhattan must see. Building on the success of the past five years, Upsilon Ventures, Citi and Bryant Park Corporation have decided to extend the season from past years, opening a week earlier and closing nearly a month later.

"We are excited and privileged to continue to evolve Citi Pond at Bryant Park as the place to celebrate and share the holiday spirit with our guests, vendors and partners. We enjoy offering a platform for entrepreneurs to launch their brands at The Holiday Shops just as we take pleasure in creating an affordable destination for families and friends at our free-admission ice skating rink. Both offerings have become increasingly important as consumers maximize every dollar in todays down economy," said Itai Shoffman, Founder and President of Upsilon Ventures, the company that produces Citi Pond at Bryant Park.

Citi Pond at Bryant Park has continued to grow through the dedication of Upsilon Ventures, and Citigroup, striving every year to develop new content and programming to make this destination and small community one that New Yorkers and visitors look forward to year after year. Daniel A. Biederman, Executive Director of Bryant Park Corporation, comments on the growth and its importance to Bryant Park:

"We are delighted that Citi Pond at Bryant Park continues to grow in size and scope offering New Yorkers and visitors a place to enjoy food, shopping, crafts and entertainment from across the world. This project brings together entrepreneurs and large companies, friends and families, locals and visitors together to celebrate the season. We couldn't have envisioned anything better for Bryant Park."


Skating at Citi Pond: Open October 29 - February 27
Anchoring the venue is Citi Pond, New York City's first and only free-admission ice skating rink. The 17,000-square-foot rink offers 360 degree viewing access and an ability to accommodate up to 500 people. Themed family-friendly and children's events throughout the season complete with giveaways and promotions will offer even more reason to take advantage of this popular venue.

Dining at Citi Pond: Open October 29- February 27
Celsius, a two story glass-enclosed ultra-modern full-service restaurant, lounge and event space opens on October 29 and returns this year with additions to decor, entertainment, food and cocktails featuring eclectic American dishes by Executive Chef John Keller. Favorites include Celsius Mac and Cheese, Home-Style Chicken Pot Pie and Four Cheese Ravioli. Crafty warm and cold winter-themed cocktails complement the comfort food such as chilled Polar Bear Cosmo and Irish Winter with whisky, freshly brewed coffee and Kahlua.

Whether stopping by for an after work cocktail or planning a winter wonderland special event, the floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the skating rink and Bryant Park are a sight to see. Interiors boast icy cool designs in the restaurant area, a chic and modern lounge area with DJ Booth-a new addition this year-as well as heated outdoor verandas where you can get cozy and bundle up to enjoy the scene.

Shopping at Citi Pond: Open November 5 - January 2
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park have become a New York shopping destination and one-stop-shop for holiday gifts. More than 125 vendors have individually designed and customized mini boutique shops and specialty food stores, enclosed by ultra-modern glass and aluminum structures. Shoppers can learn about special daily promotions and ideal last minute gifts by following the website at:www.TheHolidayShopsatBryantPark.com.

Corporate, Holiday and Social Events at Citi Pond: Book from November 1 - February 27
Citi Pond at Bryant Park and Celsius provide event-goers with a magical winter wonderland in the heart of Manhattan - a perfect setting for winter fun and events for corporate and social gatherings. Take advantage of the free-admission skating or plan drinks and dinner at Celsius. Upsilon Ventures is available to customize event needs from an intimate interlude for two to a company outing of 500.

Annual Tree Lighting: December 2
The Annual Tree Lighting ceremony and free public event will take place on December 2 this year and feature a 50 foot tree, musical performances, champion skating performances and more!

For more information on Citi Pond at Bryant Park, as well as for advance and group reservations and not-for-profit and school visits, please call 212-661-6640 or visit: http://www.CitiPondatBryantPark.com

Upsilon Ventures, LLC, is a project development, marketing and production firm specializing in private-public partnerships and the utilization of public spaces and real estate for innovative attractions, concessions, and temporary retail events. Providing complete turnkey services, Upsilon Ventures, LLC manages critical elements ranging from project creation through implementation and operations. Upsilon Ventures, LLC produces, develops and operates Citi Pond at Bryant Park ice skating rink facilities, Celsius at Bryant Park (Restaurant, Lounge and Event Space) as well as The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, an open-air boutique holiday marketplace.

Citi(R), the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Through Citicorp and Citi Holdings, Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at http://www.citigroup.com or http://www.citi.com.

Bryant Park Corporation (BPC), a private not-for-profit company, was founded in 1980 to renovate, finance and operate Bryant Park in New York City. BPC is funded by income from events, concessions and corporate sponsors, as well as an assessment on neighboring properties, and does not accept government or philanthropic monies. In addition to providing security and sanitation services and tending the park's lush lawn and seasonal garden displays, BPC provides public amenities and activities, including movable chairs and tables, cafe umbrellas, restaurants, food kiosks, world-class restrooms, and a wide range of free events throughout the year. The Midtown park, conveniently located at 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, is visited by more than five million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. BPC's Web site, http://www.bryantpark.org, is available for more detailed information and a schedule of upcoming events.


Media Contact:

Karlie Kayser, Quinn & Co., 212.868.1900 x239, kkayser@quinnandco.com
Danielle Pagano, Quinn & Co., 212.868.1900 x238, dpagano@quinnandco.com
Stephen Silverman, Citi, 212.793.0321, silvermans@citi.com
Joe Carella, Bryant Park Corporation, 212.262.8800, jcarella@jjcpr.com