ARTICLE
Be honest — when's the last time you actually read the classified ads in the newsletter? A lot of folks scroll right past them. That's a mistake. The classifieds are quietly one of the most useful sections RSA publishes. Here's what you're missing. Rinks change hands here Every week there are owners trying to sell, buyers trying to find a place, and operators looking to expand. Recent listings have included a 96-year-old rink in Burlington, Iowa, a 40-year-old facility in Shreveport, a Sacramento landmark with one of the largest skating floors in the world, and rinks in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington. Some owners are open to creative deals — lease-to-own, partnerships, financing. A few are willing to stick around as consultants to help a new owner get their footing. These deals don't usually show up on local commercial listings. They show up here first, because the people selling want their rinks to go to people who actually understand the business and will keep the skating rinks running for the community. It works the other way, too Looking to get into the industry? There are people posting that they're looking to buy. Need 200 pairs of rental skates because you're opening a new location? Someone's probably trying to offload exactly that. Got an old sound system collecting dust? List it. Looking for used skates to donate to a kids' program overseas? That's in there, too. The classifieds are essentially a working bulletin board for the entire industry. The catch is that it only works if people are reading it. There's something to learn even when you're not buying The classifieds are worth a look even when nothing's on the table. They show what rinks are going for in different parts of the country, what upgrades owners are proud enough to mention in a listing, and what side revenue streams are actually paying off — laser tag, pickleball, event venues, cell towers, UPS lease income. That's real-world information about what's working in the field, and it's free. It's how members help members Listings for rinks for sale are free for RSA member rinks because we want to keep the skating rinks OPEN. Reading the classifieds, responding to them, or passing them along to someone who might be interested helps a fellow member at what's often a big moment — retiring, expanding, starting over, getting back in after years away. That kind of mutual support is what makes this organization different from a trade group that just sends out a magazine. The ask Spend five minutes with the classifieds next time the newsletter hits the inbox. Bookmark the page on the RSA website. You don't have to be buying or selling anything to get something out of it — but if you are, you'll be glad you looked. Have something to list? Email Lynette Rowland at editor@rollerskating.com or call 317-347-2626 ext. 107. Member rinks for sale are free, other listings are $1 per word with a $25 minimum. Banner ads are also available for purchase by RSM members.
Be honest — when's the last time you actually read the classified ads in the newsletter? A lot of folks scroll right past them. That's a mistake. The classifieds are quietly one of the most useful sections RSA publishes.
Here's what you're missing.
Every week there are owners trying to sell, buyers trying to find a place, and operators looking to expand. Recent listings have included a 96-year-old rink in Burlington, Iowa, a 40-year-old facility in Shreveport, a Sacramento landmark with one of the largest skating floors in the world, and rinks in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington. Some owners are open to creative deals — lease-to-own, partnerships, financing. A few are willing to stick around as consultants to help a new owner get their footing.
These deals don't usually show up on local commercial listings. They show up here first, because the people selling want their rinks to go to people who actually understand the business and will keep the skating rinks running for the community.
Looking to get into the industry? There are people posting that they're looking to buy. Need 200 pairs of rental skates because you're opening a new location? Someone's probably trying to offload exactly that. Got an old sound system collecting dust? List it. Looking for used skates to donate to a kids' program overseas? That's in there, too.
The classifieds are essentially a working bulletin board for the entire industry. The catch is that it only works if people are reading it.
The classifieds are worth a look even when nothing's on the table. They show what rinks are going for in different parts of the country, what upgrades owners are proud enough to mention in a listing, and what side revenue streams are actually paying off — laser tag, pickleball, event venues, cell towers, UPS lease income. That's real-world information about what's working in the field, and it's free.
Listings for rinks for sale are free for RSA member rinks because we want to keep the skating rinks OPEN. Reading the classifieds, responding to them, or passing them along to someone who might be interested helps a fellow member at what's often a big moment — retiring, expanding, starting over, getting back in after years away. That kind of mutual support is what makes this organization different from a trade group that just sends out a magazine.
Spend five minutes with the classifieds next time the newsletter hits the inbox. Bookmark the page on the RSA website. You don't have to be buying or selling anything to get something out of it — but if you are, you'll be glad you looked.
Have something to list? Email Lynette Rowland at editor@rollerskating.com or call 317-347-2626 ext. 107. Member rinks for sale are free, other listings are $1 per word with a $25 minimum. Banner ads are also available for purchase by RSM members.