Centre ice · Story
Centre ice in Monroe: a visit described
The ordinary version of a visit, without the marketing gloss.
It is also the best place to watch from the rail: the whole rink is between you and them, and every lap comes back past you.
A Monroe school holiday runs out of ideas by about day three. This is a day-three answer rather than a day-one one.
Walking in
Space in the centre is what lets a child try a turn. Near the boards there is always somebody to avoid; in the middle there is only the turn.
The middle of the rink is where the wall stops helping. Getting there is the milestone every new skater sets for themselves without being asked.
The middle of the visit
It is also the best place to watch from the rail: the whole rink is between you and them, and every lap comes back past you.
Bring less than you think. Coats and bags are the part of the visit nobody enjoys managing.
The last ten minutes
Space in the centre is what lets a child try a turn. Near the boards there is always somebody to avoid; in the middle there is only the turn.
The middle of the rink is where the wall stops helping. Getting there is the milestone every new skater sets for themselves without being asked.
What sticks
It is also the best place to watch from the rail: the whole rink is between you and them, and every lap comes back past you.
Bring a spare layer even in summer. Malls are air conditioned, rinks are colder than that, and a cold child is a child who wants to go home.
Questions parents ask
How long before a child leaves the rail?
Some in the first session, some in the fifth. Neither is unusual.
How do I get in touch?
By phone on +1 (424) 387-6232 or +1 (615) 968-4925, or by e-mail at info@newlife-entertainment.com.
Where is New Life Entertainment?
Two centres: 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville TN 37214, and 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord NC 28027.
Planning your visit in Monroe
The nearest of the two centres to Monroe is the one to aim at - Concord Mills in Concord - and the drive is the ordinary sort rather than an expedition.
If one child is nervous, let them watch for the first ten minutes without being asked to join in. Almost all of them join in.
Do not schedule anything immediately afterwards. An hour of concentrated play is tiring in a way that shows up in the car park, not in the room.
Weekends bring more of Monroe out at once. If the schedule allows a weekday, take it; the same visit is quieter and the machines wait for nobody in particular.
The practical details
- XCAV ZONE — 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville TN 37214: four child-operated machines over a ball pit.
- ICE PARK — 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord NC 28027: a real rink with bumper cars on the ice.
- Opening hours — 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday.
- Phone — +1 (424) 387-6232 · +1 (615) 968-4925
- E-mail — info@newlife-entertainment.com
If a visit needs planning around a date, a group or a long drive, the centre is easiest to reach by phone: +1 (424) 387-6232 or +1 (615) 968-4925.