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Roller Rink at Canalside opening Aug. 20

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Thu, Jul 22nd 2021 09:35 am

New family-friendly, low-cost addition to Buffalo’s Waterfront

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. (ECHDC) and Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG) announced the canals at Canalside will be converted into a giant roller rink that will open Aug. 20 and roll through the fall season to Oct. 31.

At more than 30,000 square-feet, the Roller Rink at Canalside, in partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, will be the largest outdoor roller-skating rink in New York. The seasonal attraction, which will host community and school groups, themed skate nights and be free before 5 p.m. on Fridays, will add to a diverse offering of low-cost, family-friendly programming available at Canalside.

Admission is $6 per adult and $2 for children ages 13 and younger. Roller skate rentals will be $4. The water in the canals will be drained Aug. 9 to set up for this new addition on Buffalo’s waterfront.

“Get ready to lace up and roll at Canalside,” ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. “For those around in the ’70s at the height of the roller-disco era, you know how much fun a pair of polyurethane wheels and good tunes can be, and roller skating is seeing a resurgence as a fun activity for all ages. We’re thrilled to bring this new attraction to the community on Buffalo’s waterfront.”

Kevin Parkinson, VP of operations and finance, BWMG, said, “The Roller Rink at Canalside will be the place to be this fall, and another example of the diverse range of offerings available on Buffalo’s waterfront to the Western New York community and those visiting from afar. With a full line up of programming, the Roller Rink at Canalside is sure to provide plenty of fun for all ages. We are thrilled to partner with Highmark BCBS of WNY and with their support provide accessible, healthy activities to our community."

Hours of Operation

√ Aug. 20-Sept. 6

  • Mondays-Thursday: Noon to 7 p.m.
  • Fridays: Noon to 10 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

√ Sept. 7-Oct. 31

  • Mondays-Tuesdays: Closed (except the holiday on Monday, Oct. 11: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • Wednesdays-Thursdays: 3-7 p.m.
  • Fridays: 3-10 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What’s More

A press release stated, “The Roller Rink at Canalside will be a place for Buffalo-area children and families to come and experience a new sport for free, or for a low cost, in a fun atmosphere through targeted programming initiatives. The programs’ focus will be to create a free, outdoor, healthy and active lifestyle environment that will benefit the Western New York community and allow children that might not otherwise be able to experience the roller rink a free and accessible means to do so.”

Moreover:

•Community Skate Program – Buffalo Waterfront Management Group will partner with community programs to bring groups to the roller rink for free skate lessons and free skate. Tickets to the roller rink will also be distributed to the community.

•Canalside Neighbor Program – Roller skating will be free of charge to Explore & More, Buffalo and Erie Naval & Military Park and Buffalo Heritage Carousel guests on Wednesdays.

•Free Play Fridays – Roller skating admission will be free of charge before 5 p.m. on Fridays.

•Themed Skate Nights – Dedicated nights at the roller rink with music, DJs and associated decorations.

•Vendor Markets – Pop-up vendor markets will take place next to the roller rink making the Roller Rink at Canalside a one-stop-shop for fun, food and shopping.

“As the official health plan of Canalside, we are pleased to bring the fun, healthy and exciting experience of outdoor roller skating to the next generation of Western New Yorkers,” said Julie R. Snyder, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. “The new roller rink will only enhance the Canalside experience for all who visit.”

To learn more about activities and events on the Buffalo waterfront, check out www.buffalowaterfront.com. For more information on ECHDC, visit https://esd.ny.gov/erie-canal-harbor-development-corporation-0.

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