Mobile Turns Civic Center Arena Into Giant Holiday Roller Rink for One-Night Celebration

More than 500 skaters laced up at the Mobile Civic Center on Dec. 11 as the City of Mobile and Mobile Parks and Recreation converted the entire arena bowl into a roller rink for the “Jingle All The Way” edition of Roll Mobile.

The holiday event drew crowds of all ages, with a DJ spinning seasonal music, concessions on hand and a cash bar for adults. City staff positioned police officers, EMS crews and checkpoint monitors at every entrance to keep skaters safe throughout the session.

City Events Manager Jonni Nottingham said the roller rink night was one piece of the city’s 30 Days of Holiday Activation Plan, a month-long calendar of seasonal programming across downtown Mobile. The activation events have also aligned with Mayor Sandy Stimpson’s 100 Day Plan initiative aimed at bringing residents together across the city.

“It’s a great place to come in and be together, but be safe,” Nottingham said. “We’ve got everyone at the door at every checkpoint to make sure skaters are safe and visitors are safe so it’s a good time.”

About the Civic Center

The Mobile Civic Center opened in July 1964 as the Mobile Municipal Auditorium and was built with the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations in mind. Its arena, which seats about 10,000, has long served as one of the city’s primary concert and event venues.

Stimpson, first elected mayor in 2013, won a third term in the August 2021 municipal election.