Insurance Crisis Threatens Historic Roller Rink
Since 1980 the Albuquerque roller rink has welcomed generations of families and teenagers. The spot became a filming set for a well‑known streaming show, drawing thousands of fans after the episode aired. Owner Courtney Ballew took over the business in 2019 and has tried to keep it running despite rising expenses.
Insurance premiums have jumped more than one thousand percent since 2019. Legal claims against the rink have surged two thousand percent compared with the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Three lawsuits have been filed in the last three years, though one was dismissed. Many other claims arrive as demand letters that are forwarded to the insurer. New Mexico lacks the tort‑reform packages that many other states adopted, making the legal environment more plaintiff‑friendly.
Ballew sent a letter to patrons asking for help finding a new insurance provider. He also launched a group called the National Center for Legal Integrity that advocates for legal reform. The current insurance policy expires at the end of November, and without a replacement the rink will have to close. Supporters have offered to make calls, but so far no new policy has been secured.