Concept drawing of "Rollout Detroit" at the Monroe Street Midway, opening this week next to Cadillac Square. (Illustration: Rock Media)
[Updated post from May 25]
Summer's here and the time is right
For skating on Monroe Street
Downtown Detroit gains a fresh set of outside attractions, though this soggy first day isn't ideal.
A roller rink, sports courts, DJs and workout classes will enliven a Monroe Street Midway -- the temporary name for a development site that hosted a 65-vehicle Monroe Street Drive-In movie theater from January through April.
Now its owner, Bedrock Detroit, joins with RollerCade, the city and Rocket Community Fund to create an area opening Friday at noon for skaters, basketball players, dancers, exercisers and spectators.
In addition to four hoop half-courts and a multi-sport court, the spread has a concession stand with beverages, salads, subs, pizza, cellery and carrot sticks with hummus. and a rink mural by Sheefy McFly of Detroit. Phil Simpson will paint designs on the sports zone courts, and two other local artists -- Olivoia Gutterson and Poet Jessica Care More -- are commissioned to create a large wall mural, an announcement says.
A rotating series of food trucks will park alongside, starting this holiday weekend with Belly of the Beast Barbecue, according to Eater Detroit. It serves beef brisket sandwiches, smoked pulled pork sandwiches, baby back ribs and three types of tacos (el pastor, pork, mushroom).
Come Play Detroit will run the free sports courts for basketball, futsal, pickleball and handball, with equipment available at no charge from noon-9 p.m. daily on a first-come basis through late September.
The main attraction will be operated by RollerCade, a 66-year-old family business on Schaefer Highway in the Boynton neighborhood of Detroit. Skating costs $10 for two to three hours, depending on demand, and skates can be rented for $3. Walk-ins are welcome or sessions can be booked in advance. The rink opens at noon daily and shuts at 9 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and at 11 p.m. Thursday–Saturday.
Bedrock offers free four-hour parking validation for anyone making a midway purchase.
The midway site next to Cadillac Square is in part of the footprint for Bedrock's Monroe Street Blocks project, a two-block plan for offices, shops, restaurants and entertainment.
