The end of Skate Daze

Omaha skating rink to close after 70 plus years

BACK+IN+THE+DAY%3A+Pictured+is+the+Cernik+familys+first+skating+rink.+Built+in+1946%2C+the+rink+was+made+of+simple+wood+floors+and+a+big+top.

BACK IN THE DAY: Pictured is the Cernik family’s first skating rink. Built in 1946, the rink was made of simple wood floors and a big top.

The skating rink is lit up with rows of mesmerizing colorful bulbs and a disco ball hangs in the center keeping the retro feeling alive. Music is played while you skate to keep you grooving while you’re moving or at the very least block the cries of a fallen child.

After over 70 years of rollerblading wonder, this beloved entertainment center is skating to a halt. The official end date of this childhood landmark is March 31.

The PlayDazium is giant fun for kids ten and under -or those young at heart and Laser tag was the Best of Omaha in Omaha Magazine from 2008 to 2018.

The end of SkateDaze was put into motion when the Cernik family was given an offer they couldn’t refuse for their land and building. It was bought by a company called Midwest Laboratories and Skatedaze is soon going to be the place of their new headquarters. The owners of SkateDaze are sad to see it go but they aren’t the only ones. For a lot of people, SkateDaze holds good memories.

“I’m not exactly going to miss it but the few

times I went I had a good time. My dad would always show off his skating skills. I would try to teach my sibling how to skate and end up falling down,” senior Britny Sanders said.

Many high schoolers visited this establishment as children but the closing of SkateDaze still doesn’t strike a cord as much as it does with younger siblings.

“My brother is 5 and he really likes Skate- Daze and getting to run around with his friends.

He is pretty sad that it’s gonna be gone. So I can see how it’s going to affect little kids more than it will affect us in high school. But he is 5, so I’m pretty sure he’ll forget all about it in 5 minutes,” senior Quincey Loveridge said.

As March 31 nears, this could be your last chance to experience the laser carpeting and all you can eat pizza Fridays. Don’t hang up your skates so soon; before that date come out to Skate.