Video: Opening night at Southgate Roller Rink

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(Photo by Deanie Schwarz for West Seattle Blog/White Center Now)
‘AS-IT-HAPPENED’ REPORT AT 9:22 PM THURSDAY: Shortly after the renovated Southgate Roller Rink opened its doors to general-public skating for the first time in more than five years (here’s our original February story about the reopening plan), this line snaked out the door and out along the walkway to the front door. Inside, the skate is on. More coverage to come.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Photos and video from Opening Night, by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB/WCN. First, the Derby Girls took the floor in early evening before the official opening session, to work on fundamentals:

Then at 8:30 – the first public session:

The old saying “a good time was had by all” seemed to be in order. Even for Ronda Stapleton, who Ellen says may have been the first to take a tumble, but was still smiling, bravely showing off her bruised arm:

Southgate has a skate shop, too, in case you want to buy your own skates and gear (rental skates are included in the admission fee if you need them):

The Southgate schedule is online – see it here.

Biankat April 7, 2011 (10:19 pm)

Their website doesn’t say if personal skates are allowed. Does anyone know?

Qwertycris April 7, 2011 (10:27 pm)

Yup, they’re definitely allowed. We had a great time tonight! So happy to have a rink nearby.

WSAC April 7, 2011 (10:46 pm)

In the ‘schedule’ section of the website, it says “free skate rental if needed” so I think that’s a yes.

Iloveskateporn April 7, 2011 (11:37 pm)

all skates, rollerblades included are allowed. Good times!

Que April 8, 2011 (12:29 am)

and all their rentals are brand spankin’ new quad roller skates. But like previous commenters have said, if you have your own skates or rollerblades, that is fine.

MB April 8, 2011 (8:08 am)

I can’t wait! I keep remembering a specific night at the roller rink when I was in middle school…even remember what I was wearing as well as the boy I was crushing on ;) Didn’t know his name, but we called him 26 because that was the number on the jersey he was wearing. It feels so long ago, yet just like yesterday. I was so sad when it closed. I am thrilled to have such a fun part of my childhood back! Now, to see if I can get the hubby on some skates!

skate April 8, 2011 (8:28 am)

Kids want to know if there are video games?

WSB April 8, 2011 (8:37 am)

Yes, there are. Deanie sent a few photos the other day and I have neglected to add them to any of the stories, apologies. – TR

Susan M. April 8, 2011 (8:53 am)

I think I have a skating crush on that girl in the white baseball jersey skating backwards. :)

T April 8, 2011 (1:53 pm)

Yes there is something about that girl in the jersey….

Mary T April 8, 2011 (4:28 pm)

OMG the skates — THE SKATES!!!! Plus, a roller rink that plays the Ramones?! Heaven!

Que April 8, 2011 (4:32 pm)

Is it wrong that I keep looking for the “like” button on people’s comments? Or does that just mean I spend too much time on Facebook?

WSB April 8, 2011 (4:44 pm)

Too much time on FB :) We have Share This to enable sharing on FB, via e-mail, Twitter, etc., but I’m really holding out on trying to not be absorbed into the Borg … But be sure you’ve liked us at http://www.facebook.com/westseattleblog :)