We still have a few more months until winter, so it’s a little too early to break out the ice skates. In the meantime, the most nostalgic ’80s-inspired indoor roller-skating rink is heading to Woodbine Mall, complete with neon lights and tons of throwback hits!
The SUSO Skate Co. pop-up rink officially opens this Friday, Sept. 25, on the mall’s lower level, directly across from the CinéStarz Deluxe movie theatre and next to Fantasy Fair at 500 Rexdale Blvd.
The Toronto-born company specializes in turning vacant and underused spaces into temporary roller rinks. It started as a summer project at The Bentway in 2021 and has since opened more than 15 pop-ups around the GTA, taking over everything from former department stores to mall parking areas.
At Woodbine, both beginners and experienced skaters will be able to hit the floor, with separate all-ages and 16-plus sessions throughout the week. The rink will operate Wednesdays through Sundays. All-ages skating runs Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. For anyone looking to turn it into a retro date night, dedicated 16-plus sessions run Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m.
Admission for adults who bring their own skates is $14 and allows up to three hours of skating, while kids and seniors pay $12. If you don’t own a pair, one-hour skate rentals start at $18 and include admission and wrist guards. Two-hour rentals cost $25, while three hours cost $30.
Skaters under 16 can also use protective gear at no additional charge, although anyone under 13 has to be accompanied by an adult and wear protective equipment.
If you can’t make it this weekend, there’s no rush! The Woodbine location is expected to operate for about a year. Reservations can be made through SUSO Skate’s website. Follow @susoskateco on Insta for updates.