Recreational Services orchestrates Late Night Roller Skating revival with throwback theme

Augustana’s Recreational Services plans to bring back Late Night Roller Skating on March 1 at Skate City, reviving an event that has been on hiatus since the 2020-2021 school year. 

“Going into the year, Rec Services was looking to increase the number of Late Nights they offer,” Brooklyn Townsend, staff team leader for the event, said. “This year, there were 13 Late Nights planned, which is two more than last year. With the addition of more events comes the idea of bringing back past late nights that haven’t been done in a while.”

The event, featuring a “Throwback (ft. Denim)” theme, marks the return of a unique off-campus experience for students seeking alternative weekend entertainment options.

Logan Haak, director of Recreational Services, emphasized the unique appeal of roller skating and its potential to push students out of their comfort zones. 

“I can speak for myself in that the idea of going roller skating was never an opportunity I would have thought to pursue,” Haak wrote in an email. “Our staff is inviting and providing an opportunity for people to try this and try something new! It is easy to consider all the usual ways that people recreate, whether that’s working out or going to movies — how often do people talk about roller skating?”

The event promises a lively atmosphere with upbeat music, lights and different activities and games throughout the night. 

There will be two main contests: limbo and a dice game. Prizes include a Lego set, a record player and Fujifilm cameras.

There will also be a bedazzling station for those who need a break or prefer not to skate. Participants are encouraged to bring something to bedazzle.

“I am personally very excited about our craft, which is a bedazzling station,” Townsend said.

Recreational Services is hoping to beat the previous attendance record of 240 participants from when the event was last held before its four-year hiatus.

Junior Erica Ruhoff plans to attend with her sister and is looking forward to the event’s theme.

“Themed events are always fun,” Ruhoff said. “They are a cool way to wear old clothes and take some fun photos with friends.”

Ruhoff appreciates the timing of these late-night events and said they accommodate busy schedules by being after hours.

Recreational Services chose Skate City to encourage students to explore beyond the university grounds and engage with the broader Sioux Falls community. 

“As much as I love this campus and having students participate in activities here, I also see and know the value of getting outside of the campus itself and seeing more of what Sioux Falls has to offer,” Haak said. “It is such a wonderful city with so many opportunities.”

These late-night events align with Recreational Services’ mission to promote physical and social well-being among students, creating opportunities for connection and active engagement. 

“Our late-night activities are terrific opportunities to meet folks in the Augie community that you may have never interacted with before,” Haak said. “Roller skating is a terrific way to unwind on a Saturday night and meet some new people and be on your feet for a little fun exercise.”

The event will run from 10 p.m. to midnight at Skate City, which is located at 2901 W. 3rd St., Sioux Falls. With a three-dollar admission fee payable by cash or card, participating is a pocket-friendly weekend entertainment option for students. 

Transportation will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis with pickup at the Morrison Commons loop at 9:45 p.m.

Looking ahead, Recreational Services has planned a lineup of four more late nights this semester: mini-golf, murder mystery, battleship and block party.