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arts entertainmentThings to Do

Skating rink in Denton spotlights as a part-time music venue

Weekend nights at the Lone Star Indoor Sports Center consist of social skates, private parties -- and now, local band performances.

Owner Jill Marsh said that after living in Denton for the past five years, she noticed the arts and music scene and wanted to cater more to it.

"This is good exposure for the band and us," Marsh said. "It helps the Denton arts and music industry -- that's what our thought on it was. If you want your band more known, come play in a venue with good acoustics."

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The venue's 15,000-square-foot rink, inside the 27,000-square-foot arena, is made of white plastic tiles that click together to create an inline skating rink. The bands will set up on the rink, leaving room for skaters to fly by and enjoy the music, too.

For a $10 admission that includes skate rental, and free admission for kids 6 and younger, skaters can listen to the music while they roll.

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When Lone Star opened at its current location on Mayhill Road in May 2016, there were 10 in-line hockey teams that competed there. Now, there are 30.

Lone Star is also the home of North Texas Roller Derby and the North Texas Fallout junior roller derby team, and hosts all of the teams' practices and matches.

Marsh said right now she's aiming to have at least two bands perform a month.

Lone Star Indoor Sports Center is also home to roller derby practices from teams such as the...
Lone Star Indoor Sports Center is also home to roller derby practices from teams such as the Fighting Unicorns, pictured here.(Jeff Woo / DRC)

"I put an ad out on Facebook, and that's where the bands reach out to me and we pinpoint a date to perform," Marsh said. "I've had quite a few friends of friends reach out to me. I put it on Facebook to see the reaction I get, and so far it has been really good. We are getting it rolling."

The goal is for the music at Lone Star to be family-friendly and something everyone can enjoy, mixing genres like classic rock and metal.

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Other than local bands, Marsh said a band from Nashville contacted her about booking a performance, and even the University of North Texas jazz program has reached out.

"They want to bring a jazz band up here -- there will be so much variety here," Marsh said. "Maybe this Saturday night might not be what you're looking for, but you look at the calendar and ... you see the country band coming in two weeks."

With interest in skating sports growing, more people are coming into the rink.

"I hope it gets bigger and more well known, as with any other business," Marsh said. "I want more people to know we are here and utilize the roller rink in Denton ... for reasonable prices."