Whether it's for recreation or aspirations of fulfilling your own derby dreams, there's places here in Arizona where you can skate. I have skated at some of these places. My favorite places to skate are Skateland Mesa, the Family Life Center and if I can make the trip out there, Great Skate.
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CHANDLER - USA SKATELAND
1101 W Ray Rd, Chandler
http://www.skatelandchandler.com
(480)917-9444
Chandler is in a pretty good area but their concrete floor has a few dips and needs repair but overall is in good shape. Open skating sessions on Monday, Friday and Sunday nights as well as Saturday Mornings and Afternoons.
GLENDALE - GREAT SKATE
10054 N. 43 Ave, Glendale
http://www.greatskateglendale.com
(623)842-1181
The couple of times I have been to Great Skate were enjoyable. I do like that concrete floor. I especially enjoy the Sunday adult night sessions with no anklebiters. Open skating on Saturday and Sunday nights. Open skating Friday nights (except first Fridays).
GOODYEAR - SKATE ZONE
13550 W. Van Buren St, Goodyear
http://skatezoneaz.com
(623)925-0179
One of the Valley's newest rinks way out on the westside. I have not skated there and I have not heard experiences from anyone in the derby community who has skated there. Therefore, I do not know how they would feel about derby skaters going there. Most of their rules are around gangs, most interestingly, no solid color T-shirts. Open skates on Monday night ($1), Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday nights is "Family Night" where girls pay less than boys. Sunday evening Soul Skate.
MESA - USA SKATELAND
7 E. Southern, Mesa
http://www.skatelandmesa.com
(480)833-7775
Mesa has a nice big concrete floor and a friendly staff. Public sessions on Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays.
PEORIA - ROLLERPLEX
16083 N 75th Avenue, Peoria
http://www.rollerplex.com
(623)334-8118
I had one person make comments to me about the floor at the Rollerplex claiming it's a different surface than even the Castle's sport court. One of these days, I will have to make the trip out there to check it out. They are mostly roller hockey oriented but there are weekly sessions on Saturdays and Sundays.
PHOENIX - CASEY AT THE BAT - CLOSED
3947 E. Union Hills Dr
The outdoor skating rink that was the former bouting home of AZRD is being razed to make way for outdoor soccer.
PHOENIX - CASTLE SPORTS CLUB
11420 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix
http://www.castlesportsclub.com
(602)331-2582
During some slow times, the Castle will have open skates. Call or check the website for details. If you want the true derby experience, this is the place to go. Skate on the same sport court that AZRD and DDRD plays their bouts on.
PHOENIX - FAMILY LIFE CENTER AT NORTH PHOENIX BAPTIST CHURCH
5757 N. Central, Phoenix
http://www.npbc.org/ministry/home.php?_inc=ministry_info&category=11&ministry=12
(602)707-5701
This is Arizona's best kept secret when it comes to skating. They have a wood floor which does have a couple of defects but overall is nice. There are no set sessions. The rink is available during all FLC hours (5:30AM-9:00PM Monday through Friday, 5:30AM-4:00PM Saturdays, closed on Sunday). On Tuesdays and Thursdays and possibly other days, the rink may be used for other activities and not available. They publish a monthly calendar which is available at the FLC (not online). If in doubt, call the church. $3 gets you in ($2 if you are an FLC health club member). They have skates there but it's best if you bring your own. Please remember that this is a church. Please be mindful in your choice of dress and language. Fresh meat derby skaters are known the frequent the church on Wednesday nights.
PHOENIX - ROLLERO
7318 W. Indian School Rd.
http://www.rollero.com
(623)846-1510
I have never skated at Rollero but their wood floor does sound inviting. Not in the best part of town (75th Avenue & Indian School) but may be worth the trip. They have an interesting dress code (no skirts). Open skates on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well as Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
PRESCOTT - ROLLER HOCKEY RINK AT PIONEER PARK
1200 Commerce Dr, Prescott
http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks/index.php?id=28
I don't have much information on this place yet. But this is the rink that Northern Arizona Roller Derby practices at.
TUCSON - CATALINA HIGH SCHOOL
3645 E Pima St, Tucson
http://www.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/sports.php
(520)791-4873
This is the skate park that TRD and the Derby Brats practice at. It's on a first come, first serve basis. It is an outdoor concrete surface. It is very slippery, especially on cold mornings. The rink is already lined for roller derby.
TUCSON - SKATE COUNTRY
7980 E. 22nd St, Tucson
http://www.skatecountry.com
(520)298-4409
I wish we had something like Skate Country here in Phoenix. Open skating every day, even if it's just for two hours. Thursday nights is the adult night where TRD skaters, especially those invovled in recruiting are known to frequent.
