press release
Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (April 7, 2022): The Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink opens for the season at Dilworth Park on Friday, April 22 through Sunday, July 17. The colorful, retro-inspired rink will bring old-school cool to the space outside of historic City Hall with hour-long sessions available seven days a week.
The rink will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.-8:45 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-11:15 p.m. Admission will be $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $5 for patrons who do not bring their own pair. Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to reserve tickets online ahead of time at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.
The rink’s vibrant checkerboard floor will be complimented by a brand-new overhead art installation of multi-colored beach balls, which was designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio. Sections of Dilworth Park’s dancing fountain will be active in front of the PNC Terrace, and the Air Grille beer garden will be conveniently connected to the rink area so skaters can fuel up between sessions.
The menu will feature snack bar staples with a twist, like fresh fish tacos, cheesesteak egg rolls and a fluffernutter churro. Adults 21 and older can relax under shaded umbrellas while sipping ice cold Haku Vodka cocktails and Michelob Ultra.
To celebrate the rink’s arrival, local skate troupe, Great on Skates, will perform at 11:30 a.m. on opening day during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first skate session of the season will begin at 12:15 p.m. Later that evening, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Great on Skates members will return to lead informal dance lessons and activities.
Additional events and weekly programs will be hosted at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink throughout the season. The schedule includes:
Rothman Roller Rink Grand Opening
Friday, April 22
11:30 a.m.
Be the first to experience the city’s premier roller rink on opening day! Local skate troupe, Great on Skates, will keep the energy high as they perform during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, complete with rainbow streamers and photo-worthy décor. Rothman employees, including President, Dr. Alexander Vaccaro, will assist in the ribbon cutting in celebration of their continued commitment as title sponsor of the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink. The first skate session will begin at 12:15 p.m.
Rothman Roller Rink Opening Night ft. Great on Skates
Friday, April 22
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Stop by on opening night to celebrate with the best skaters in Philly! Great on Skates members will be hanging out on the rink to lead informal dance lessons and activities while boogying to the beat! DJ Beezy will join the group, spinning classic roller rink tunes to keep the party going.
Matinee Skate
Mondays & Tuesdays, April 25-July 12
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Early bird gets to skate! Patrons of all ages will receive $5 off during select morning and afternoon sessions at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Rewind at the Rink
Wednesdays, April 27-May 25
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Lace up your skates and get ready to roll back in time as Great on Skates members and DJ Beezy spin throwback tunes from the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s! Nostalgic backyard games will be set up for people to play at their leisure, and adults 21 and over can enjoy delicious food and beverage options at the Air Grille beer garden, including Jim Beam Orange cocktails and Goose Island Neon Beer Hug. A valid Rothman Roller Rink ticket is required to skate during the time of the event. Dressing up is encouraged!
Wizards and Witches Skate
Saturday, May 14
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Trade your broomstick for roller skates while enjoying an afternoon of magic and merriment! Interactive entertainment, including roller Quidditch, is planned, plus giveaways, themed treats and a few enchanted surprises. Costumes are encouraged!
Pride Skate
Saturday, June 4
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and we’re celebrating with an afternoon of skating fun for everyone. Highlights include interactive performances on the rink, themed décor and special menu items at the Air Grille Garden. Everyone is encouraged to show support of the LGBTQ+ community by dressing up in colors featured on the Pride Flag!
Christmas in July Skate
Saturday, July 9
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Christmas comes early at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink with a sun-kissed Santa who traded his sleigh for a pair of skates! He’ll be rolling with us all afternoon, and will even take a break to snap some photos with kids. Fun crafts, holiday-inspired snacks and a pop-up snow shower will keep skaters of all ages merry and bright. Instead of a winter sweater, everyone is encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday t-shirt!
The return of the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink was made possible by an extended 3-year title sponsorship commitment from the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute through 2024. The healthcare provider, whose headquarters is located in Center City Philadelphia, has also served as the title sponsor of the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink since the rink opened in 2014.
All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Dilworth Park is located at 1 S. 15th St., on the west side of City Hall. Visit DilworthPark.org to learn more.
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The Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at www.centercityphila.org and on Facebook and Twitter.