Thaw out and rock out at the Rollerdome
-- Jamie Christianson
The unavoidable has marked its arrival and, for the next six months, will be thoroughly securing its place of abode within Minnesota’s climate. That’s right, folks, wintertime has entered the building. Our days of breathing in the balmy air, taking Fido for a walk and hosting happy hour on the patio is no longer only numbered, but unwaveringly scrapped.
Nevertheless, there’s no need to fret —we Minnesotans are used to the routine and relentlessly make the best of this season with the partaking of winter sports, the ignition of cozy fireplaces and creative ways to emulate summer activities indoors. Case in point: the annual launch of Metrodome’s Rollerdome.
Out of 300 days of its working year, the months between November and April summon the reservation of Metrodome’s Rollerblade Rollerdome.
Since 1990, the upper and lower concourses of Hubert H. Humprey’s Metrodome houses as many as up to 50,000 inline skaters a year. And it’s not uncommon to witness 1,000 skaters simultaneously wheeling their way through here. Why so popular, you ask? In addition to selling well over 500,000 tickets within the past near-20 years, skating, in general, is notorious for being a solid Minnesotan pastime.
A sizable amount of Minnesota’s homegrown grew up with hockey stick in hand, whether it occurred on the blacktop or ice. Just think about how many skating paths Minnesota bestows (Lake of the Isles, I’m talking to you), and how many skating events take place in the summer months —there’s hardly a week that goes by without one. The Rollerdome is one of the very few practical skating habitats left, and with its amenities, it’s easy to see why it’s so frequented.
The Rollerdome offers a sleek and free-of-bumps half-mile loop for laps of coaching, cardio or just plain and simple fun. The inexperienced needn’t be worried of the skilled and the skilled needn’t be worried of the inexperienced: the upstairs is held for the veterans honing their abilities, and the downstairs is held for children and beginners learning at their own tempo—with the accompaniment of 10 staff members. A concession stand, water fountains and a DJ (found on the lower level) are all staples of the dome. Special events give the dome a little flavor as a New Year’s celebration, singles nights, costume parties on skates and workshops provided by the Paramounts annually take place.
Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for students and $4.50 for children. If you don’t own a pair of skates, rentals cost another $5 per pair for the newest and coolest inline skates. Coat check, shoe check and safety gear are all free. All wheelers are encouraged to park in the free lot next to Gate D and enter through the revolving doors.
The Rollerdome takes pride in its community involvement and colossal festivities. Consider it ideal headquarters for relaxation and escapism from all of those final exams. For the latest information, call 612-825-DOME.