Christian fellowship isn’t just for Sundays. Here at Firehouse Skate, we strive to create a safe, wholesome atmosphere where Roanoke and Vinton’s youth can enjoy fun and freedom with their church families.  Now youth groups have more opportunities than ever to celebrate Christ’s love, Christian fellowship, and the ability He gave them to move their feet! We’re pleased to announce monthly Christian Skate Night at Firehouse Skate ‘N Play.

Christian Skate Nights

End your evening right with soulful gospel music, contemporary Christian tunes, and godly lyrics. Every Third Tuesday, you and your family can enjoy Christian music skating from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Fellowship with old church friends and connect with new brothers and sisters in Christ as you glide around the roller-skating floor, munch on snacks from the Snack Bar, and buy sleek new swag from the Stuff Shop. Perfect for youth group trips, moms looking for wholesome entertainment, or adult Bible study groups who want a new adventure.

Private Parties for Church Groups

Roller-skating is a great way to minister, to teach kids about grace, or to enjoy a night of fellowship with your church family. Book a private event skating party for an unforgettable night of Christian fun. Our low church group and fundraiser prices make it easy to share fellowship and show love at your own Christian skating event.

Call Firehouse to learn more about our Christian Music Nights, youth group events, and special church group rates.

Great Article from Susan Geary from RollerSk8r.com

Many times when I’m at a rink, I meet people ready to buy a pair of rollerskates. Some are venturing into the sport for the first time, others are returning, and some are accomplished champions. They all have their own opinions where to make skate purchases, and here’s my take. Buy them from the rink you skate at most often. And avoid the big box stores and the Internet like the plague. Here’s why.

Walmart skates are not high quality and you won’t have a good experience on them. They’re not as safe as rink skates, and some of these don’t have “cushions” that allow the skate to steer properly. Plus you can’t get parts to fix them when they break down.

Internet skates are a whole ‘nother story. While you might find skates that look good at a great price, shipping can be very pricey, and what happens if they don’t fit right? Plus, how do you know if it’s the right skate for the type of skating you do? I learned this the hard way. While I did purchase a pair of skates from a rink 3 decades ago, I wanted the same type my sister was using. The problem was that she was a dance skater, and I’m a freestyle skater. Those Snyder Imperials, while a quality pair of skates, were top of the line, but they didn’t work as well as the Snyder Advantage I replaced them with years later. The angle of the hanger was not designed for my type of skating.

Also, when you buy your skates from a rink, you’re supporting the place that provides you an outlet for your favorite activity. I still hear from advanced skaters who buy online because they’re saving a few bucks. Then they whine when the rink won’t service them, or worse, the rink closes because they’re not making enough to keep the place running.

Rink ownership is costly! Most have loans to pay back for the initial purchase or major renovations. Then there’s labor, taxes, insurance, and a whopping utility bill. Add on some capital expenses like a new HVAC or sewer line and watch the expenses add up. When you buy skates from a rink, you’re letting the rink operator know you appreciate them. And you’re helping to pay their bills to keep the place open.

When you buy skates from a qualified skate tech, they should be asking you the following questions.

1. What type of skating do you do? (Artistic, recreational, speed, jam, derby, and hockey come to mind.)
2. Where do you plan to skate? (indoors at a rink or outside on a bikepath?)
3. How often do you plan to skate?
4. Are your feet done growing?
5. Do you prefer inlines or quad skates?
6. What’s your budget?

Additionally the skate tech, or pro should analyze how you skate. Do you need a little help leaning forward? Then a boot with a heel will be helpful. Do you lean forward too much? Then a lower heel is in order. And there should be some measuring done between the ball of the foot and the heel to determine where the wheels should sit, based on the type of skating. As you can see, picking a pair of skates out of a catalog or off the shelf at Dick’s Sporting Goods may not be in your best interest. Skating is only dangerous when you’re a nervous Nelly on a crappy pair of skates. Investing in a quality pair of skates will improve your confidence and ability.

When you’re in the market for a pair of skates, buy them from a roller rink. It’s in our best interest to keep rinks profitable and open for business. Because you can’t skate at Walmart, or on the Internet.

Yes, literally your entire family is in for a treat when they come to Firehouse Skate ‘N Play.
You might be thinking… “how on earth can my 2 year old roller skate?” OR “maybe they are forgetting that we take grandma on all our family outings.” OR maybe “what about our special needs child?” Yes we’ve thought of them too!

Stop by soon to check us out!

Firehouse Skate caters to the families in the greater Roanoke area. We strive to provide entertainment for all ages with roller skating, an arcade, indoor playground, and parties. On Thursday, February 2nd, we are changing it up a bit to provide a special night to our 18 and up skaters!

Music-It’s Up To You!

We’re currently collecting information from you, our skaters, to determine what type of music you want to hear more of during our Adult Skate Night. Share your preference with us on our Facebook Event Page.

This event is back by popular demand! Book your babysitter and enjoy a kid-free night at Firehouse Skate. You won’t have to worry about navigating your way around the little ones, just enjoy a night out with friends! Make sure you share this event on Facebook and help us get the word out to make the event a success so that we can plan more adult nights!

On February 9th 2006 at 6:30 PM – After 4 months of EXTENSIVE renovations – The Old Olympic Roller Skate Center re-opened as Firehouse Skate ‘N Play under new Ownership and Management.

We would like to invite YOU to our 11th Birthday Party! Enjoy FREE* Skating and a FREE** Cupcake on Sunday, February 12th. This is our way of saying THANKS for 11 Great Years.

FREE Skating -or- FREE Play Admission
+ $1.00 for Both Skate & Play Admission

*Skate Rentals $3 if needed
**Free Cupcake while supplies last