I have been a couple of times now, and I really enjoy my time at the rink. I'll be back!
First, Two Dollar Tuesdays are great! $2 admission, $2 skate rental, $2 nachos. It's a great family activity that forces people out of the house to get some exercise without realizing it. There are different game times on the rink, like a sharks and minnows session. Renting an adult or child skate-mate is still $5, and no one looks down on you if you need one. If skating isn't your thing, there is a large arcade area.
If you are an adult beginner, a great uncrowded time to go is Wednesday nights from 8 to 10. It is adults only, so toddlers won't fall down right in front of you, which is nice. They have several adult-only times throughout the week and there is alcohol available for purchase. The adult-only sessions are the reason I picked this rink among others.
Skates are allowed to be worn everywhere in the building. This freaked me out at first because I was walking in and people were skating all around me. I was amazed they didn't trip and fall. (Some kids did, but they kind of did it to themselves.) People were playing air hockey in the arcade while wearing skates, and some people (including me) were purchasing food and carrying it in skates. Very aesthetic. Just keep little kids from running place to place, and they will be safe.
The rent skates are fine. They get the job done. The trucks are stiff. The wheels have a good spin to them without being too uneven. They're not uncomfortable if you pick the right size because they have been broken in before. Wear socks that cover your ankles.
There are lockers available for your things. There are also lots of shoe-sized cubbies on both sides of the rink. Some people leave their shoes tucked under random benches which is also okay. I would find a way to keep valuables in a locker or on your person, but the honors system seems to work for shoes and coats.
Last but not least, the employees are really friendly. One even saw me struggling terribly my first time and comped me a skate-mate. I really appreciate that. They look like they enjoy working with each other, which is good to see. The rink music is good and has different themes on different nights, and there is a live DJ. read more