San Francisco’s got a big vibe as a playful city, and now the San FranDISCO, a huge pop-up roller rink in the city’s Civic Center, lets you relive the dream of the ‘80s, as reported by KRON 4 News. Wear your neon headband and your ankle warmers as you circle around endlessly to music from live deejays. This 5,000 square foot roller rink has disco balls and colorful lights.
Right now, the rink is on a three-month trial basis to see if it’s worth extending after that point. It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays from noon to 8pm. Admission fees of $5 for youth under 18 and $15 for everyone else includes skate rental—but you’ll probably want to invest in your own skates with flashing light wheels. Skating sessions are broken up into 90 and 120 minute units, and you can even rent the rink for a private party on days the rink isn’t open to the public.
Before the rink was opened with its yellow and red checkerboard flooring and a sun/fog roof, people naturally gravitated to the pedestrian plaza to roller skate. It’s right near City Hall, the Asian Art Museum and main branch of the San Francisco Public Library, all destinations in their own right.
The rink arises from a partnership with the city, the Civic Center Community Benefits District and the Church of 8 Wheels—a roller disco set in the former Sacred Heart Church on Fillmore Street, bent on spreading ‘rolligion’ (skating instructors are called apostles). The church once hosted the Black Panther Party Breakfast Program and a lettuce boycott by the United Farmworkers Union started here in 1970, so there's wholesome history to skate to.
The rink has lots of seating for those who want to watch skaters’ slick moves instead of risking an ambulance ride. But then again, those on the floor have more fun. And once the City Hall’s 200 LED lights come on at sunset, it’ll be a magical sight to skate to. Check out its orange lights on Halloween!
Book tickets here.
Could you skate your way out of an escape room? Probably.
Where's the best place to get vintage '80s skating wear? Try these places first.