Albuquerque’s Skate-O-Mania May Close in November Over Insurance

Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, October 16, 2026 —

Skate-O-Mania, a skating rink in Albuquerque that has operated for 47 years, may close in November, according to owner Courtney Ballew. Ballew said he has been unable to secure insurance for the venue.

Ballew believes insurance companies are reluctant to cover businesses in New Mexico because of what he described as a perceived high risk of lawsuits. That is his view of insurers’ reluctance; no insurer or specific coverage decision was identified in the information provided.

The potential closure is not confirmed. The information available does not specify an exact closing date, whether Skate-O-Mania has received any insurance offers, or what steps Ballew might take to keep the rink operating. It also does not provide details about the venue’s finances, employees or the effect a closure could have on customers.

Skate-O-Mania’s 47 years in operation provide context for the significance of the possible shutdown, but no opening date or further history was provided. The year associated with the possible November closure was also not specified.

For now, the reported obstacle is Ballew’s inability to obtain insurance, alongside his belief about insurers’ concerns regarding New Mexico businesses. Without further details about the coverage search or the rink’s plans, the venue’s future remains uncertain.

Story summarized from the original created by Alika Medina on www.kob.com, see more information here.