Fred Segal - Ice Skating Rink from 'Rocky'

"In the original script, the famous ice skating scene called for the ice rink to be humming with dozens of other skaters that Rocky and Adrian would wade through, but due to the film’s dwindling budget, the production was forced to film in a completely empty rink. What seemed a problem at the time turned out to be the makings for one of the most memorable and romantic scenes in the entire series. The original ice skating rink is located in Santa Monica, California, and was during the time of the filming a very popular local rink used by Olympic athletes during training as well as the general public. Ice Capades Chalet was fairly new at the time and the interior of the rink wasn’t much altered for the scene – what you see on film is how it actually looked to the public in 1975. Some panels at the far end of one wall and the “Philadelphia Blades” banner were the only decorations added by the film crew. Patrons who used the low-ceiling rink in that era say it was a fun place to skate because it gave the impression of skating outdoors, and some folks who were disappointed to arrive and find their time on the ice cancelled that day ended up being able to watch some of the filming. Amazingly, when the Chalet was closed down in 1985 and purchased by the Fred Segal store (an upscale clothing company), the building was not demolished. It still stands today, now filled with a maze of cubicles and clothing, but fans will immediately recognize the original low-hanging frosted ceiling. The entry doors and area where Adrian stood when Rocky said: “I’m gonna smooth this guy” are still there, though highly renovated and altered to a degree, as are the original ramps and railings leading down a few brick steps to the landing where the ice was originally situated." -via Total Rocky