Unseasonably warm weather has forced cancellation of Friday's scheduled opening of the state's speed-skating oval at the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center - and postponement of the $4.1 million facility's grand opening ceremonies.
Officials now hope the 2002 Winter Games venue can be open to the public by Dec. 8, but the grand opening festivities scheduled for that weekend will be delayed until Jan. 12, 1997, according to Randy Montgomery, executive director of the Utah Sports Authority.Olympic speed-skater Bonnie Blair remains scheduled to appear here the weekend of Dec. 8, Montgomery said, but she could be holding speed-skating clinics in an indoor ice rink if the weather doesn't change sufficiently.
Montgomery said there have been minor problems with the equipment used to make ice for the oval, but said "warm weather is definitely the main culprit" responsible for the delay.
In order to make and keep ice on the 400-meter track, Montgomery said high temperatures must stay below 50 degrees for at least five days.
"Fifty-five degrees is about the warmest we can make and hold ice based on the current chilling capacity, but if you get any wind or direct sunlight, it can affect it," Montgomery said. "We made ice a week ago Friday, then lost it."
The oval was open for in-line roller skating briefly in the fall.
The new date for the track's grand opening would coincide with the annual Utah Winter Games, which has events scheduled for the oval Jan. 12-15.
When the oval finally opens, public skating will cost $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for youth ages 18 and younger and $1.50 for senior citizens. Skate rental will be $1.50.