ASEC Enters Long-Term Agreement with Simon Property Group to Open Ice at The Galleria

Elmsford, NY – American Skating Entertainment Centers, LLC (“ASEC”) the largest independent owner/operator of ice skating facilities in the United States, announced that it has acquired the ice skating rink at The Galleria in Houston, TX.  ASEC plans to open the Ice at The Galleria this Friday, October 8th after making significant renovations and improvements to the facility.
The Ice at the Galleria will have a new and improved ice skating surface to provide skaters with premium quality ice in time for the busy holiday season.  Off-ice, we are installing new dasher boards and purchasing 600 pairs of state-of-the –art rental skates for our customers.  Additionally, in the coming months all of the off-ice areas will be completely renovated including a new sound and video system and an upgraded party room to host special events.
“We are excited to add such an iconic ice rink at one of the premiere retail destinations in the world to our growing portfolio of leading facilities” said Shane Coppola, Chairman and CEO of ASEC.  “Further, we are delighted to expand upon our business relationship with Simon Property Group and work closely with our partners at The Galleria to upgrade the physical plant, develop new programming, and create additional recreation opportunities.”

Commenting on the new partnership, David Anderson, General Manager of The Galleria, said “we are thrilled to enter a long term lease with one of the most respected owner/operators in the ice rink industry.  ASEC and The Galleria are making a substantial investment in the Ice at The Galleria to enhance the ice skating experience for all of our Galleria customers for many years to come.”
“The Ice at The Galleria will be an incredible family entertainment venue at The Galleria.  Our goal is to continue providing Houston residents with the best recreational products and services available,” said Brad Berman, ASEC’s President and Chief Operating Officer.  “We are quite familiar with The Galleria facility and look forward to developing all aspects of the business,” added Berman.

About American Skating Entertainment Centers, LLC.

American Skating Entertainment Centers, LLC. (“ASEC”) is the largest independent owner/operator of ice skating rinks in the United States.  ASEC owns and/or operates 12 facilities in New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, Colorado, and California.

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate company in the U.S. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 393 retail real estate properties comprising 263 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. Simon Property Group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.