The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green returns early this year; Feb. 10 in fact. This means Houstonians can enjoy five weeks of roller-skating fun in Discovery Green at downtown Houston’s only outdoor roller rink, as the opportunity to enjoy the fun will run from Feb. 10 – Mar. 17.
This year features a new and improved rink with a rubber subfloor for increased comfort and bright colors perfect for cool photos.
On opening Night, Friday, Feb. 10 (5 p.m. – 11 p.m.), festivities will include tunes by DJ Yung Chris and roller derby demonstrations from Daisies & Pancakes. Skate instructors will showcase their epic talent. The first 50 skaters in line to skate for free. Forever Green members skate for free from 5 – 7 p.m.
The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green will host weekly specials throughout the season including nights with special discounts, live DJs, themed music and more. New this year is College Night where college students with ID may receive $2 off admission. On Valentine’s Day, couples can skate for $16.
The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green will be open Friday, Feb. 10, through Friday, Mar. 17, 2023. Hours are: Monday – Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Fridays 5 –11 p.m.; Saturdays and school holidays (Mar. 13-17) 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For a breakdown of the entire Feb. 10 – Mar. 17 lineup of special skating events and to purchase tickets ($12 plus tax) which must be purchased online, visit www.discoverygreen.com/rollerrink. Tickets go on sale Jan. 17. Non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome. Forever Green Members, First Responders and Military will receive a $2 discount for tickets purchased onsite with proof of member or ID card (up to 5 people). KPRC 2 is the official media sponsor.
DEFENDER READERS SHARE WHY THEY LOVE SKATING
I love roller skating for the community, the music and nostalgia. The roller rink was my first social club. Roller blading for me helps clear my mind and gives me a good sweat. Plus, it’s easier on the knees than running. (Alieshia Baisy)
It’s great exercise, it’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, yet calming at the same time. It’s meditative and it’s sexy!! (if u know what you’re doing). (KaRa Ma’at)
Skating is like dancing. Instead of dancing to the music. You skate to it! (Kefing Moor)
Roller rinks are staples in the community. It’s where friends and family gather. It’s where you meet the cute boys and girls. Swaying to the music, feeling the cool air on your cheeks when you learn to skate fast is like riding a bike. The freedom! (Demethra Orion)
Skating is like flying on the ground. There’s something so freeing and exciting and calming all at the same time. (Misty Starks)
It’s liberating and the music just relaxes me. I’m not thinking about anything else but getting my sk8 on. (Shonda Grant)
The skating rink used to be a staple in the black community. It was where you had your birthday party, your first couple’s skate, a friendly competition against another local crew, or just the place to be on the weekend! One thing I love is that many things that endear us are filled with the sounds of music. All the latest music was played with some old school cuts weaved in for good measure. On the floor you’d spot your favorite uncle and auntie, church members, to your friends at a rival school – EVERYBODY who was SOMEBODY was at that skating rink. Too many fun times to name… (PW Way)
Roller skating was an integral component in my childhood and pre-teen life. There were SO many wonderful things about it. Me and my crew went to the Empire Skating rink, on Empire Street in Brooklyn. First, it was a place to go, usually on the weekends. The music was jammin’, the boys were smokin’, and the place was full of them. There was an unspoken agenda for all of us; 1. skate around with your buds for awhile, scoping out the boys; 2. make eye contact with the cutest one, gauging their interest in you; 3. smile, if he smiled back, he would be your “partner” for the day. Then we’d sit down, to give the fellas a chance to come over and “close the deal,” for a day of hanging out together. This leads up to the informal dance competition. All of the couples would start dancing/skating together. It was SUCH fun watching the grand standing couples, who could dance better than anyone else. Afterwards, we’d put all of our money together to go to the hamburger joint. Sometimes, we would know one of the employees who would load us up, and take whatever money we had as payment. Great memories!!! (Imani Karega)
Skate lessons at TSU is why! Daisies & Pancakes (Brandi Myasia)
