Albuquerque Roller Rink Signs Year-Long Insurance Deal to Avoid Closure

Skate-O-Mania in Albuquerque will keep its doors open for another year after securing a new insurance policy. The roller rink, which has operated in the city since 1980, avoided a potential shutdown that owner Courtney Ballew warned could happen by the end of November. The new agreement covers the business through November 2027.

Ballew first alerted patrons in an email last month that rising insurance costs and an increase in legal claims threatened the rink's survival. He stated that flaws in New Mexico law contributed to the financial strain. On Tuesday, the business announced the resolution via social media, confirming that it had found a carrier willing to provide coverage.

The owner attributed the success to an intense public response. Ballew reported receiving between 30 and 40 emails from local insurance brokers, community members, and state lawmakers following his initial warning. He described the reaction as "unbelievable" and said his phones were constantly ringing with offers of assistance.

Ballew negotiated with several national underwriters who specialize in covering roller rinks. Most declined the bid, but a Wisconsin-based insurer accepted the terms. Ballew signed the paperwork on Friday, ending the immediate uncertainty about the rink's status.

"It was a huge relief," Ballew said. "Finally able to sleep so much better knowing that we're able to keep open." The business posted on Facebook that the support from locals allowed them to keep rolling. "When we shared that we would be closing, Albuquerque showed up," the post read.

The one-year policy provides a window for the business to pursue a more permanent fix. Ballew argues that New Mexico lacks the tort reform found in many other states, which he believes protects businesses from meritless claims. He said personal injury lawyers often extend cases against the rink until insurers settle, even when the business has disproved the claims.

The rink has installed additional cameras and required customers to sign waivers to mitigate liability. Ballew contends these measures are insufficient against the current legal environment. "We need some better protections for businesses because it's getting out of hand," he said.

Albuquerque Democratic Senators Michael Padilla and Natalie Figueroa contacted Ballew after his warning. He provided them with details on tort reform. The senators said in their initial messages that they would look into finding a sponsor for the issue. Ballew has not yet received a follow-up response.

Ballew views passing general tort reform as a "kind of a long shot" in the state. He proposes a specific statute for roller skating, similar to existing laws governing ski areas and horseback riding. He noted that at least a dozen states have such protections for roller rinks and provided examples to the senators.

With the immediate threat removed, Ballew plans to coordinate with other roller rinks in the state to build a stronger case for legislative change. He is also considering driving the rink's giant roller skate car to the 2026 legislative session in Santa Fe, decorated with banners and accompanied by supporters, to draw attention to the cause.