BrookeHerdzina

Ready to roll? A new roller skating ribbon in downtown Omaha is the perfect activity. 

 Just across the street from the Gene Leahy Mall lies the latest addition to the Riverfront Park: a brand new, all weather skating ribbon. 

The ribbon features state of the art mechanics that allow it to double as both a roller skating ribbon and an ice skating ribbon. The ice in the ribbon is stabilized, even during temperature fluctuations, so skaters don’t have to worry about skating through any slush this winter. 

Don’t have your own pair of skates? No problem. “They rent skates right in front of the ribbon, so they make sure everyone can be involved,” freshman Leyla Zier said. The skates cost $5 to rent for adults and $4 for children. The only preparation needed before arriving at the ribbon is to sign a waiver. Entry is free. 

Night skating is a unique experience too, as “they had lights hanging above, which made the whole ribbon very lit up and very pretty,” Zier said.

This attraction is open from 2-9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 10 p.m. on Friday. On the weekend, the ribbon opens at 11 a.m. and is open until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday. 

The ribbon brings a return of roller skating to Omaha, that before this attraction, had shut down its final roller skating rinks. With the closing of SkateDaze in 2019, the closest roller skating rink was in Bellevue. The addition of the new ribbon is exciting for many people, young and old, looking for fun activities to do in Omaha and the return of roller skating. 

“The ribbon is super fun because it gives you some time to enjoy the weather and to participate in a fun activity that could be new to you,” Zier said. 

The ribbon features music all year round and will periodically feature live music. Throughout the year, the ribbon will hold different themed nights with a DJ present.  

This ribbon is an innovative new addition to Omaha’s downtown scene and is an opportunity for fun in the outdoors, no matter the season.