Albuquerque roller rink secures one-year insurance policy after customer campaign

Skate-O-Mania in Albuquerque will remain open through November 2027 after securing a new insurance policy. Owner Courtney Ballew signed the agreement with a Wisconsin-based insurer on Friday. This decision follows a period of uncertainty where the rink faced the possibility of closing within weeks.

Last month, Ballew emailed patrons that rising insurance costs and legal claims could force the business to shut down by the end of November. The rink’s social media page announced the new coverage on Tuesday. The post thanked customers for their support, noting that residents called, shared the story, and offered connections after the closure warning.

Ballew credited the local community for the outcome. He estimated receiving emails from 30 to 40 local insurance brokers, community members, and state lawmakers. He described the response as “unbelievable.” Most of the few nationwide underwriters willing to cover roller rinks initially declined his request. One eventually agreed to the terms.

The new contract provides a one-year window for the business to find a long-term solution. Ballew previously cited flaws in New Mexico law as a primary driver of the rising costs. He argued that the state lacks tort reform measures found in other jurisdictions. These measures protect businesses from meritless personal injury claims.

According to Ballew, personal injury attorneys often prolong claims against the rink until insurance companies settle. This happens even when the business disproves the claims. The rink has added cameras and waiver protections to mitigate these issues, but Ballew stated that these steps are insufficient.

“Everybody wants to get that check, and so it’s just kind of the nature of the society in which we live in now, and I think local laws haven’t caught up to that realization yet,” Ballew said. “We need some better protections for businesses because it’s getting out of hand.”

Democratic Senators Michael Padilla and Natalie Figueroa contacted Ballew regarding the issue. He sent them information on tort reform and noted that other states have specific statutes for roller skating, similar to those for ski areas. He has not yet received a response. Ballew described the prospect of passing general tort reform in New Mexico as a long shot but viewed a specific roller rink statute as more feasible.

Ballew plans to meet with other roller rinks in the state to build a collective case. He is also considering driving the rink’s giant roller skate car to the 2026 legislative session in Santa Fe. The venue has operated since 1980 and will reach its 50th anniversary in a few years.