Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, a beloved West Hollywood historical roller rink from the late 70s and early 80s, is making a comeback. Unfortunately, those who wish to experience this blast from WeHo’s past will have to head far east. The roller rink is opening at Rockefeller Center on April 15th and will run through October 31st.
The Rockefeller Center is closing its seasonal world-famous ice skating rink as we approach the warmer spring and summer months. Roller skates will replace ice skates for a revival of the West-Hollywood-based roller rink.
“Our goal is to build world-class spaces where everyone is welcome; spaces where connection and self expression roll free, without judgment or prejudice,” said Liberty Ross, in statement. Liberty is daughter of original Flipper’s founder Ian Ross. She is founder and creative director of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace.
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace is a family owned. Operated from 1979-81 and onward, the rink was founded by Ian “Flipper” Ross in 1979. The original rink was the stuff of West Hollywood legend, located at 8491 Santa Monica Boulevard, where a CVS Pharmacy stands today. For three years, entire generation of eccentrics, outsiders, punk rockers, disco queens and a slew of celebrities came together on the corner of Santa Monica and La Cienega Boulevards to experience a unique kind of freedom on roller skates. The space was even featured in an episode of Charlie’s Angels “Angel’s on Skates’ (S4E10). The plot centered around Freddie Fortune and his roller rink Flipper’s. Ian Ross had a walk-on spot and a line of dialogue in the episode which also features interior shots of the roller rink.
“Cut to 2022 – The legendary roller rink is back opening our doors at Rockefeller Center,” reads a post on their website. “We celebrate the connection between roller skating positive mental health and emotional well-being. It’s at the heart of everything we stand for. A Flipper’s rink is a place to let go, be present and connect with yourself and those
around you. Let’s Boogie!”
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace NYC will offer a retail store, food options and a viewing deck. Weekly and seasonal programming, DJ sets, live music and family events are planned as well.
According to reports, a rink is opening in London and there are talks of bringing Flippers back to Los Angeles, but no word yet on whether or not it will open again in West Hollywood. The profile picture on their social media platforms reads “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace LA,” so it’s possible we may get to experience the space without traveling cross-country.
For now, if you make to New York City this summer, tickets start at $20, not counting skate rentals, and are available seven days a week. For scheduled programs and ticketing information, visit: https://www.flippers.world
Absolutely NOTHING can come close to making anything even relative to the profound joy that Flippers WeHo was. My investment in my Rydell boots,Colorado plates and LaBeta wheels was the best money I ever spent. So proud I was to have had a spot among the house groupies! Always careful not to drink too much as I had my brand new 1982 280ZX parked out back or down the street by a friend’s condo very close to Barney’s Beanery where we often ended or began our evenings. I was there so much that I had withdrawals when the doors closed… Read more »