Iconic ice rink in Rockefeller Center flips to host roller skating

NEW YORK — The historic ice skating rink in New York City’s Rockefeller Center is getting a new look in time for summer as it transforms into a roller skating rink.

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Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace will be open from April to October and promises a taste of retro fun in the city.

The ice rink will close for the season on Sunday, March 20, and then work will begin to transform the midtown space into a roller skating rink, The New York Times reported.

Ian “Flipper” Ross opened the original Flippers Roller Boogie Palace in Los Angeles in 1978. It was described as the “West Coast Studio 54 on roller skates,” The Wall Street Journal reported. The rink was open in L.A. for less than three years, closing in 1981.

Ross’ daughter, Liberty, is one of the people heading up the project to bring roller skating to the outdoor space, working with a list of backers that includes music star Usher, The Wall Street Journal reported. Ross most recently wrote a book chronicling the original Flipper’s, due out in October, Variety reported.

The Flipper’s that will serve as the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center this summer will be one of three, as Ross plans to resurrect her father’s brand with rinks in Los Angeles and London as well, The New York Times reported. The New York City rink is scheduled to be the first to open.

While ice skating has been an annual feature of Rockefeller Center, roller skating hasn’t been an option there since 1940, The New York Times reported. Other efforts to use the space in spring and summer have included tennis courts, flower shows, and concerts, according to The Times.

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace promises to “celebrate the connection between roller skating, positive mental health and emotional well-being.” It will be open seven days a week beginning April 15, and tickets are available online. Tickets start at $12 for children and $20 for adults, plus a $10 skate rental fee.

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