Route 61 Rollerdome honored as August spotlight

Route 61 Rollerdome was given the honor of business spotlight for the month of August by the Perkins County Chamber. 

Ashleigh Noyes, who owns the rollerdome with husband Jason, was present at the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, August 19 to discuss the business. 

According to Noyes, the building in which  the skating rink is located was built in the 1940’s and has continued operations since then as both a dance hall and a roller rink. 

Noyes said she has heard several stories from the community members about how it was more of a dance hall in the beginning, even including live music occasionally. 

“For the most part, now, we operate as a skating venue, however we do rent the rink out for private events like receptions, graduations and we have also hosted a few dances there as well. We try to keep the options open, but our main business is skating,” Noyes said. 

The skating rink is currently hiring, and Noyes said “we are always looking for responsible, friendly and reliable help to add to our staff so we can break up the weekends between employees to share the workload,” adding “It is a really fun, fast paced environment to work in!”

Route 61 Rollerdome employes about 6-8 people. 

Looking ahead, Noyes said,  “we hope to continue to grow and thrive at the rink. COVID was a rough patch to travel through when you run a business that requires patrons and close contact to operate. It was a very difficult decision to have to close during the heat of the pandemic, however, when we could re-open again, it was so GREAT! The community was awesome and even while we had to require masks, the kids were especially receptive to the rules and helped us do what we needed to do in order to stay open.” 

“Hopefully we can keep moving forward, coming up with new events and activities to host and keep the rink alive!”

Noyes said they are purchasing new skates to replace some of the worn out ones they are currently using, as well as some new concession items for this season. 

Route 61 Rollerdome will open for the season on September 10. Their hours of operation will be Friday and Saturday nights from 5-6 p.m.  for beginners, and 6-9 p.m. for regular skate. 

They will also continue to offer private parties.

Noyes said to be on the lookout for late skate dates and also to send any suggestions for things that could be fun or exciting to do at the rink.  Route 61 Rollerdome is located at 76 S. Central Avenue in Grant and can be reached at 308-352-8316.