Problems With Raley Field Ice Rink Continue; Event Closed Until Saturday

WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Those hoping to hit the ice at Raley Field will have to wait until Saturday.

The main event at the ballpark's "Biggest Show On Snow", the ice rink, is still not working, prompting organizers to close the entire event until repairs are made to the mechanism that keeps the ice frozen.

The repairs were previously estimated to be completed today.

"We experienced an unfortunate failure with one of the chiller machines that keeps the ice frozen," explained River Cats General Manager Chip Maxson. "A new machine will be installed and we plan to re-open the gates at Raley Field in time for the holiday weekend."

Several people showed up to the park on Sunday expecting to skate but were turned away. They say the Raley Field website made no mention of the closure.

One couple even drove from Pollock Pines.

"I'm upset because it was supposed to be a surprise date and this wasn't really the surprise we were looking for," the woman said.

River Cats representatives say the sudden closure is a safety precaution.

The event is part of an outdoor hockey game to be hosted at Raley Field in December. Besides skating, a "monster ice slide" used at the 2015 NHL All-Star game, rides and a winter wonderland of sorts are all attractions scheduled to be part of the snow show.