The Return of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace

This April, Liberty Ross, in partnership with an impressive roster of collaborators, will revive the legendary Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in New York City at Rockefeller Center, bringing the iconic one-of-a-kind roller skating venue from 1979 to the next generation of roller skaters.

Originally opened by Ross' father, the legendary Ian 'Flipper' Ross in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, the family-owned roller rink was, for just three years, a mecca of uninhibited fun, where a generation of eccentrics and outsiders gathered to experience roller skating.

Fast-forward to 2022: Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace returns with the mission of uniting people through the joy of roller skating. The new venture comes from Liberty Ross, Co-Founder and Creative Director, and Kevin Wall, Co-Founder and Chairman, in partnership with Usher, and encompasses the world of roller skating, with roller rinks, lessons, community events, performances, merchandise and apparel, alongside social content that spotlights the talented, diverse rolling skating community, stateside and beyond.

"Our goal is to build world-class spaces where everyone is welcome; spaces where connection and self-expression roll free, without judgment or prejudice," explains Liberty Ross, Co-Founder, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace. "It's my hope to support the amazing roller skating community and the future of the sport, while welcoming the curious to the freedom and fun that is roller skating. Flipper's is—and always has been—a place for individuality, experimentation, joy and respect."

Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace will be reintroduced to the world in the center of New York City with a seasonal outdoor roller skating rink at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, open April 15 through the end of October. Animating the Rockefeller Center campus with a fresh, new energy, the rink will be designed by Bureau Betak and accompanied by a to-be-announced food program, viewing deck and retail store at the Channel Gardens. Weekly and seasonal programming will also follow, including DJ sets, live music performances, family and kids programming and more.

"Roller skating at Rockefeller Center will be a quintessentially New York moment," said Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Speyer. "We are thrilled to welcome Flipper's as a partner in transforming the rink level at the Center, and can't wait to see everyone out there."

For the 2022 season, Flipper's is coming together with its new neighbor Saks Fifth Avenue to support their shared passion and efforts around mental health through a contribution to the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to make mental health a priority in every community through targeted nonprofit partnerships that increase awareness and education, improve access to care, and promote the tools and skills that build positive mental health for those who need it most.

"We, at Flipper's, believe in less scroll, more roll!" added Ross. "Through our programming at The Rink at Rockefeller Center and partnership with Saks, I look forward to supporting mental health awareness and education, encouraging young people to put down their phones, be present and let go."

Later in the year, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace will cross the pond to Ross' birthplace, opening the ultimate Flipper's expression in West London, in partnership with Broadwick Live and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. Hosted in a two-floor, Grade II-listed structure dating back to 1899, the 34,000-square-foot flagship venue will host a sizable roller skating rink, alongside flexible space for entertainment, dining and retail.

Both locations will host a diverse and exciting calendar of programming, ranging from skate classes to roller boogie nights to concerts, with special event bookings available on a limited basis. Expect regular releases of skate-inspired apparel and accessories, too, with Flipper's merch available from mid-April and special collaborations planned to drop throughout the year.

Tickets for Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace at The Rink at Rockefeller Center are available today from April 15 through October 31, starting at $20 USD, not including skate rentals. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance at flippers.world.

Courtesy of Tishman Speyer.

Photo courtesy of ImageFiction; Tishman Speyer.