Saranac Lake Civic Center (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE — A free grand reopening event at the Saranac Lake Civic Center is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Saranac Lake Civic Center was fully renovated in anticipation of the 2023 Winter World University Games in January and the event will feature facility tours of the newly renovated 38,000 square foot space, including information about event space rentals.

There will be free public skating, refreshments, and information from partner organizations about winter sports activities and more.

“We are excited to be co-hosting this event and look forward to highlighting the civic center,” Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rachel Karp said. “It is a beautiful space and it’s important that our community, students, and visitors utilize it and are aware of the available activities. This event will be a great opportunity to showcase the event space; with a capacity for 2,000 people and the upgraded amenities, the civic center offers a great option for large events in our area.”

The renovations included interior and exterior renovations with a new entryway and a heated and air-conditioned lobby area, along with six new locker rooms. A heated viewing area located on a mezzanine level and rink improvements ensured that the ice surface meets world class competition standards. Additional upgrades to the kitchen, bathrooms, and spectator seating offer a better athlete and visitor experience. The civic center has hosted large events for many years and with the renovations it provides Saranac Lake with an upgraded venue to host additional events including auctions, trade shows, craft fairs, sporting events, and of course hockey, curling and ice skating.

“We no longer aspire that the Saranac Lake Civic Center be ‘a’ place to go in our community. We aspire that the Civic Center be ‘the’ place to go in our community,” said board member Mike Ritchie. “We are proud of what we were. We are prouder of where we are now with this incredible facility. And we will be proudest of what’s next for this building and impact that it will have on all members of our community.”

The event is supported by Hyde Fuel and Stewarts Shops and is open to the public; for additional information or questions, contact 518-891-1990.