Watch CBS News

Mechanical Malfunction Puts Raley Field Ice Rink On Hold

WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The "Biggest Show on Snow" is a no go.

One couple drove down from Pollock Pines to find the much anticipated six week winter event at Raley Field shut down due to a mechanical malfunction that melted the ice.

"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.

Another group also drove a good distance to try and celebrate a special birthday.

"She's been wanting to for the last two weeks or so," they said "[We're] not sure what we're going to do now."

They checked the Raley Field website before and there was no mention of any schedule change – and another ticket site says there not many tickets left.

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

But as one promoter broke down, he wasn't as surprised as the rest.

"We set up the first day and it was still … not really frozen, just a lot of slush kind of," Randay Townsend said.

Organizers say the closure is temporary.

The snow show 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.

The event will reopen Tuesday if the repairs are on schedule.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.