Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. This was taken in mid 2010s but the appearance is STILL exactly the same as in 2021! Source: Google.
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. Legacy continue with the name still on it. It was odd with this that the name continue on the building even in 2021! it was a fireworks store at one and also one time a furniture store. Both are gone You cannot see on this map but two doors down to the left of this photo, there is a huge bowling alley with Quonset Hut style roof and modern exterior updated look. Source: Google.
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. Taken during its hey days. Quite a crowd during its popularity back then. Source: Way Marketing.
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. Taken during its hey days. I love the light design! Instead of just too common Starburst. This rink had zig zag light design on the ceiling.. Source: Way Marketing.
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. This was taken in 2016 for the online article. Noticed the wall on the right and background? Quite similar to Skate World-Hillsboro. Was this also a Skate World back in 1977? Source: Mail Tribune / Jamie Lusch. Copyrighted Digitally Remastered by Dead-Rinks. (Removed 2 young boys that they were on the rink making sno...w.. er, DUST angels!)
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR. KTVL 10 News had a segment on the rink closing on 24 March 2014. Source: KTVL 10 News/YouTube.
Medford Skate University (MSU) 2425 Pacific Ave. S., Medford, OR
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR (Rebooted, Derby only)
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR
Roller Odyssey 2425 South Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR (Rebooted, Derby only)
Both rinks were at the same location but different years. Right now, the name still bears as Roller Odyssey Roller Skating on 26,000 SF building according to Google Map in May 2019. Apparently the current owner is looking for investors to purchase to continue as a roller rink as of 2016 as said in an article online. Looks like he did not get deals he wanted. Or offers fell through. I pray it will be reopened once again.
If I had the money, sure, I would purchase it. Fix it all up 100 percent. New roof especially and get updated look since the exterior, it remains that 1960s architecture style on the wall with pebbles on it. It reminds me of that style although the building was built in 1977.
It has that Royal Blue color on trims and other parts of the building with pebbles as I mentioned already. The interior however, has that blue carpet with beautiful wood floor. Also Orange carpet. Likely Mable with Light Blue/Grey Concrete color with Off-White Roller Derby floor and outline of three-rings in center for figure skating. The ceiling lights above the rink was very unique and rare because of its design. Instead of Starburst lights, the flashing lights were in zig-zag shape.
Originally it was as Medford Skate University. Sounds like a college for roller skating. Haha. No, it was just a rink. Maybe close as it gets was skating lessons, that was all. It began with Rogue Valley residents Cheryl and Sheldon Masterson opened in 1991 (Medford Skate University). However, Sheldon Masterson was killed in automobile Accident in 2009, his widow ran until it was difficult to operate for her so she closed doors around 2009 to 2010ish..
Then I have no information when it became Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink. So, give or take it was 2010 the MSU shut down and another took over as Skate Odyssey which was short lived till April 2014.
The article in Mail Tribune has history of the rink and mentioned that the MSU was opened in 1991 so apparently there was another rink before 1991. Between 1977 and 1991 because the article did say as I quote this, "Tucked off the roadway at 2425 S. Pacific Highway, west of Charles Point apartment complex, the property didn't look much different when it opened back in 1977." I highlighted to emphasize that there was a possibility a rink before MSU. So, that brings to the question, what rink was it before? I will find out for you! If any of you know, please let me know and correct me here. Thank you.
The style inside with the carpeted walls are quite similar to Skate World-Hillsboro. Please click link and you will see the similarities. Was it the same owner? Was this a Skate World too? Was it the first rink before MSU and Skate Odyssey? Would be nice to know!
Building was up for sale for 2.5 Million US Dollars. (I believe it is too high. Sports-O-Rama before demolish in 2015 was for sale at 400,000 Dollars for 40,000 SF building compared to this one. Original price was 800,000 Dollars in 2008 when they closed. So, I believe that Skate Odyssey should be for sale at 800,000 Dollars, period. That is my offer and final offer if I was to bid. No, I do not have the money to purchase so its all moot. Long story!)
The furniture store that was supposed to open soon in 2018 was cancelled due to zoning issues, and upgrades so they had to abandoned that start up. The building was reportedly being purchased and turned into a furniture store sometime last year, but zoning requirements called for expensive upgrades, including a sprinkler system, if use of the building was to be changed.
The rink owner is the Coquille Tribe.
UPDATE! -- (31 January 2022).
I received an email from someone who is a Roller Derby President from Roller Odyssey who emailed me telling me they lost their lease toward end of Summer 2021. The team are without a home track to practice. I sure hope and pray they can find a place as soon as possible. With many rinks closing or former rinks' building owners do not want Roller Derbies because perhaps they want tenants that can produce more rent/lease money monthly.
This is what she has to say--
Our lease was terminated toward the end of summer 2021. We were not given information as to what the future of the building is. The owner is the Coquille Tribe. As of now... there it stands, empty and locked, while we are without a skating space.
Very interesting project you have!
Well, thank you so much! For both the information and comment.
Interior:
First rink name unknown: Appearance is unknown.
Medford Skate University: Appearance is unknown.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has that Concrete floor with Polyurethane coat on with 2 tone paint-- Off White for Roller Derby track as Sky Blue around. It had 1970s mood to it because of the walls were Orange, Burnet Yellow, etc. Very 1970s, or even 1960s but because the rink first opened in 1977, that was perhaps the same color carried all the way. Perhaps.
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It does appear differently. They used Rubberized RollerCourt, a wider, bigger tiles lay on top of the original floor. I believe the two non-skating rink businesses ruined the floor by moving furniture, materials, etc. I could not tell what color it was with the new floor.
Exterior:
First rink name unknown: Appearance is unknown although it had 1970s architecture on it. Pebbles on the wall, Steel studs, etc. Very common in the 1970s.
Medford Skate University: Appearance is unknown although it had 1970s architecture on it. Pebbles on the wall, Steel studs, etc. Very common in the 1970s.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has the look of bold Blue with bold fonts name on the side that faces the side of the road of the rink. Roller Odyssey Roller Skating was the name on the side. It was very 1970s architecture.
Fireworks store: retained the exact same look.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening. No changes.
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has exact the same look as it was when Roller Odyssey was before they closed in 2014. No changes!
Rink Size: N/A Floor: Light Blue/Concrete Grey with Off-White Amber Roller Derby Maple.
Floor Layout: Standard with Roller Derby designated floor with three rings centered.
Building Size: N/A Built: 1977. Renovation: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of building: Free-Span Steel-Trusses Cinderblocks-Built Warehouse-like building.
Roof: Flat.
Operated: Overall- 1977 to April 2014, September 2019 to Present.
First rink name unknown: 1977 to 1991.
Medford Skate University: 1991 to c. 2010.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: 2010 to April 2014.
Fireworks store: 2017 to 2019.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: (For derbies only) 2019 to toward the end of summer 2021.
Reason for Closure:
First rink name unknown: N/A.
Medford Skate University: Financial hardship on widow.
Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: N/A.
Fireworks store: N/A.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening
Reopened Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: Closed again by the tribe.
Wanted: Information regarding photos of the rink before closed without skaters. As MSU, and was there a rink in operations before MSU? And photos for it. And information to prove it. Reason why Skate Odyssey closed. Was it the lease?
Sources: Mail Tribune
Way Marking
Four Square
Mail Tribute - Reopening 20 September 2019.
YouTube - KTVL 10 News about closing.
Date of Issue: 2019 Update: 11 December 2021. Updated again: 31 January 2022.
For Office Only: 5/1.
© 2019 Dead Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3-17.
If I had the money, sure, I would purchase it. Fix it all up 100 percent. New roof especially and get updated look since the exterior, it remains that 1960s architecture style on the wall with pebbles on it. It reminds me of that style although the building was built in 1977.
It has that Royal Blue color on trims and other parts of the building with pebbles as I mentioned already. The interior however, has that blue carpet with beautiful wood floor. Also Orange carpet. Likely Mable with Light Blue/Grey Concrete color with Off-White Roller Derby floor and outline of three-rings in center for figure skating. The ceiling lights above the rink was very unique and rare because of its design. Instead of Starburst lights, the flashing lights were in zig-zag shape.
Originally it was as Medford Skate University. Sounds like a college for roller skating. Haha. No, it was just a rink. Maybe close as it gets was skating lessons, that was all. It began with Rogue Valley residents Cheryl and Sheldon Masterson opened in 1991 (Medford Skate University). However, Sheldon Masterson was killed in automobile Accident in 2009, his widow ran until it was difficult to operate for her so she closed doors around 2009 to 2010ish..
Then I have no information when it became Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink. So, give or take it was 2010 the MSU shut down and another took over as Skate Odyssey which was short lived till April 2014.
The article in Mail Tribune has history of the rink and mentioned that the MSU was opened in 1991 so apparently there was another rink before 1991. Between 1977 and 1991 because the article did say as I quote this, "Tucked off the roadway at 2425 S. Pacific Highway, west of Charles Point apartment complex, the property didn't look much different when it opened back in 1977." I highlighted to emphasize that there was a possibility a rink before MSU. So, that brings to the question, what rink was it before? I will find out for you! If any of you know, please let me know and correct me here. Thank you.
The style inside with the carpeted walls are quite similar to Skate World-Hillsboro. Please click link and you will see the similarities. Was it the same owner? Was this a Skate World too? Was it the first rink before MSU and Skate Odyssey? Would be nice to know!
Building was up for sale for 2.5 Million US Dollars. (I believe it is too high. Sports-O-Rama before demolish in 2015 was for sale at 400,000 Dollars for 40,000 SF building compared to this one. Original price was 800,000 Dollars in 2008 when they closed. So, I believe that Skate Odyssey should be for sale at 800,000 Dollars, period. That is my offer and final offer if I was to bid. No, I do not have the money to purchase so its all moot. Long story!)
The furniture store that was supposed to open soon in 2018 was cancelled due to zoning issues, and upgrades so they had to abandoned that start up. The building was reportedly being purchased and turned into a furniture store sometime last year, but zoning requirements called for expensive upgrades, including a sprinkler system, if use of the building was to be changed.
The rink owner is the Coquille Tribe.
UPDATE! -- (31 January 2022).
I received an email from someone who is a Roller Derby President from Roller Odyssey who emailed me telling me they lost their lease toward end of Summer 2021. The team are without a home track to practice. I sure hope and pray they can find a place as soon as possible. With many rinks closing or former rinks' building owners do not want Roller Derbies because perhaps they want tenants that can produce more rent/lease money monthly.
This is what she has to say--
Our lease was terminated toward the end of summer 2021. We were not given information as to what the future of the building is. The owner is the Coquille Tribe. As of now... there it stands, empty and locked, while we are without a skating space.
Very interesting project you have!
Well, thank you so much! For both the information and comment.
Interior:
First rink name unknown: Appearance is unknown.
Medford Skate University: Appearance is unknown.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has that Concrete floor with Polyurethane coat on with 2 tone paint-- Off White for Roller Derby track as Sky Blue around. It had 1970s mood to it because of the walls were Orange, Burnet Yellow, etc. Very 1970s, or even 1960s but because the rink first opened in 1977, that was perhaps the same color carried all the way. Perhaps.
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It does appear differently. They used Rubberized RollerCourt, a wider, bigger tiles lay on top of the original floor. I believe the two non-skating rink businesses ruined the floor by moving furniture, materials, etc. I could not tell what color it was with the new floor.
Exterior:
First rink name unknown: Appearance is unknown although it had 1970s architecture on it. Pebbles on the wall, Steel studs, etc. Very common in the 1970s.
Medford Skate University: Appearance is unknown although it had 1970s architecture on it. Pebbles on the wall, Steel studs, etc. Very common in the 1970s.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has the look of bold Blue with bold fonts name on the side that faces the side of the road of the rink. Roller Odyssey Roller Skating was the name on the side. It was very 1970s architecture.
Fireworks store: retained the exact same look.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening. No changes.
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: It has exact the same look as it was when Roller Odyssey was before they closed in 2014. No changes!
Rink Size: N/A Floor: Light Blue/Concrete Grey with Off-White Amber Roller Derby Maple.
Floor Layout: Standard with Roller Derby designated floor with three rings centered.
Building Size: N/A Built: 1977. Renovation: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of building: Free-Span Steel-Trusses Cinderblocks-Built Warehouse-like building.
Roof: Flat.
Operated: Overall- 1977 to April 2014, September 2019 to Present.
First rink name unknown: 1977 to 1991.
Medford Skate University: 1991 to c. 2010.
Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: 2010 to April 2014.
Fireworks store: 2017 to 2019.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening
Reopened Roller Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: (For derbies only) 2019 to toward the end of summer 2021.
Reason for Closure:
First rink name unknown: N/A.
Medford Skate University: Financial hardship on widow.
Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: N/A.
Fireworks store: N/A.
Furniture store: Cancelled opening
Reopened Skate Odyssey Roller Skating Rink: Closed again by the tribe.
Wanted: Information regarding photos of the rink before closed without skaters. As MSU, and was there a rink in operations before MSU? And photos for it. And information to prove it. Reason why Skate Odyssey closed. Was it the lease?
Sources: Mail Tribune
Way Marking
Four Square
Mail Tribute - Reopening 20 September 2019.
YouTube - KTVL 10 News about closing.
Date of Issue: 2019 Update: 11 December 2021. Updated again: 31 January 2022.
For Office Only: 5/1.
© 2019 Dead Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3-17.