Raven and I went to the rink known as Roller Kingdom. (Really guys, you couldn't come up with something a bit more ... unique?) When I was a kid, my dad took my siblings and I nearly ever Thursday for family night. That was soooooo long ago. I think the last time I was on skates was over 20 years ago, and I remember a few things. And some of those things hasn't changed over time. Back then, it was known as King's Skate Country.
1. The building interior is almost exactly the same!
That's right. There has been very little change to the interior of the place, as I remember it. Even the floor is the same. Actually, I think it's gotten worse. Hey guys, do us all a favor and replace the surface before we all fall down! Sheeesh!
2. They still play the same lame games!
Yep, Red Light, Green Light. Simon Says. All the games are still the same. Hey guys, you COULD try changing it up a little bit. I'm sure that over the last twenty years or so there have been some new skating games invented.
3. The DJs are still as snarky as ever!
Yep. The DJs still cheat at pretty much every game and good luck trying to get a request in. I guess that's what comes from being young and full of themselves.
4. The concession stand still carries ring pops!
Among other things, the food is still the same as it was when it was King's Skate Country. At least, from what I remember. And it's still as expensive as ever. And, the staff is not very nice there at all. Especially to us "old timers". I mean come on. I've never seen anyone slam food around like that before. It wasn't MY fault you forgot to make my nachos!
5. The lighting is the same as it used to be.
While there have probably been a few updates to the lighting over the rink, there is still that same star pattern of light bulbs above the center of the rink. And kids still go to the center of the rink to pretend to be cool.
6. Their skates are the same ones they've been using for the last million years. Guys, please update. Oh, you did make the addition of roller blades. (I think I remember a time when roller blades weren't allowed, but I could be wrong about that.) However, new skates would be an improvement.
Overall it was a good time, and Raven had fun. She even made a few new friends and I saw at least one person that I already knew. I went back a second time, but I ended up leaving very early. There were too many kids around. I might have to go on the adults only night one of these days.
The music that was played was all the Top 40 garbage that one can hear on the radio with very few exceptions. They do have an 80's night, so I might check that out one of these nights. Otherwise, I don't think that I could make a request for a song because the DJ probably never heard of it.
One of the nice things about Roller Kingdom is that they do private and birthday parties. I might have to put together a goth/industrial themed party and bring my own music to play. I know they do that in several larger cities, but I think it would be fun to do here, too. Any thoughts on that from my old scene friends?
Overall I give Roller Kingdom:
And really guys, that's being generous.
