press release
Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHILADELPHIA (March 30, 2023): Old-school cool returns to Dilworth Park this spring with the opening of the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink! Beginning Friday, April 21 through Sunday, July 16, hour-long skate sessions will be available seven days a week. Everyone is encouraged to reserve tickets online ahead of time at rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.
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.-10 p.m. Admission will be $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $6. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. While online purchases are recommended, in-person sales will be offered onsite based on availability. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages.
The rink’s iconic checkerboard floor will be complemented by a brand-new art overhead installation, designed and fabricated by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio. The piece will feature rows of multi colored ribbon that are weaved together to create a fringe effect.
The Air Grille Garden, adjacent to the roller rink, is a bright and airy outdoor dining space with ample seating and shaded umbrellas. Food and beverage options are inspired by classic snack bar staples, like fried fish tacos and elote street corn. At the bar, adults 21 and older can enjoy refreshing brews, like Michelob Ultra and Kona Big Wave, along with delicious cocktails made with Haku® Vodka and Tres Generaciones® Tequila.
Sections of Dilworth Park’s dancing fountain will remain active throughout the roller rink season.
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.
Additional events and weekly programs will be hosted at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink throughout the season. The schedule includes:
Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink Grand Opening
Friday, April 21
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 Senior Vice President of Operations, Ed Tufaro, 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.
Matinee Skate
Mondays & Tuesdays, April 24-July 11
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Early bird gets to skate! Patrons of all ages will receive $5 off of admission during select morning and afternoon sessions at the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink.
Rewind at the Rink
Wednesdays, April 26-May 31
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Lace up your skates and get ready to roll back in time as live DJs spin throwback hits from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Members of Great on Skates will join in on the fun weekly by showing off their skills and leading impromptu dance lessons. Adults 21 and over can enjoy delicious food and beverage specials at the Air Grille Garden, including refreshing Tres Generaciones® Tequila cocktails. A valid Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink ticket is required to skate during Rewind. Dressing up is encouraged!
Wizards and Witches Skate
Saturday, May 13
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 3
6 p.m-8 p.m.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and we’re celebrating with a one-night-only special event. A larger-than-life drag performer will host the event, which features interactive performances on the rink, themed décor and a special menu at the Air Grille Garden. Live DJ entertainment will be provided all evening. 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 8
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 and holiday-inspired snacks 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.