The Story of Odessa’s Music City Mall’s Shift from Ice Rink to Skate Rink
Odessa's Music City Mall which originally opened in 1980 as the Permian Mall has been known for its diverse shopping experience. One unique feature that at the time could not be found anywhere within a 300-mile radius was an ice skating rink.
The MCM ice rink had been in operation for over 20 years and was credited with providing joy and cherished memories to much of the community.
That all changed in August of 2021 when employees discovered that the machine that refrigerated the ice broke down overnight beyond repair- eventually melting the ice. Mall officials were faced with an opportunity for change. A brand new ice rink could be installed or they could adapt with the unexpected pivot and repurpose the ice rink into a skating rink.
They chose the latter.
When news of the change reached the public, it was met with mixed emotions. While some were optimistic and welcomed the change, many locals were understandably saddened by it. Residents nostalgically remembered going as a child and even being able to take their own children to enjoy the ice years later.
Once the skating rink finally opened it was an instant success. It renewed Music City Mall with a flood of new and old patrons who all wanted to experience the new rink for themselves.
Several years later in 2025 the skating rink is still a popular MCM destination and continues to provide joy to the city of Odessa, Texas.
@goodguytries Trying to rollerskate #trysomethingnew #GGT #rollerskating #odessa #musiccitymall ♬ original sound - GGT
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