CINCINNATI – Cincinnati’s Fountain Square ice rink will welcome a new sponsor when it opens for the season on November 7th.  WGU Ohio, a nonprofit online university with over 5,300 graduates and over 4,000 active students in Ohio, is partnering with 3CDC on their annual Macy’s Light up Square as a presenting sponsor and is the new title sponsor of the warming tent through the 2023 season.

“We have great support from our alumni, active students, city, and county leaders, as well as businesses in Cincinnati, so we are excited to expand our presence in Cincinnati via this partnership with 3CDC,” said K.L. Allen, leader of WGU Ohio. “With all that is going on in the world, we are excited to bring some warmth to those who attend the ice-skating rink on fountain square and light up the square virtually this year.”

The rink will open on Nov. 7 with new COVID-19 procedures in place, including a timed reservation system with limited capacity, increased cleaning processes, and requiring patrons to wear masks. The rink is also launching bumper cars on ice in 2020, which naturally creates social distancing while still providing plenty of fun! 

“3CDC is thrilled to partner with WGU Ohio. The university offers affordable and virtual options to students in a year where this approach to education is needed and welcomed,” said Tasha Stapleton, 3CDC Sponsorship Manager. “This long-term partnership allows us to offer our fans elevated experiences at Fountain Square.”

WGU was established in 1997 by a partnership of state governors to offer students, particularly adult learners, the chance to go to college while working and caring for their families. In 2018, Ohio became the eighth state to partner with WGU, part of efforts by policymakers to close Ohio’s skills gap with a new pathway for adults to seek careers in such in-demand careers as healthcare and nursing, business, teaching, and information technology.