Did you know that October is National Roller Skating Month? Celebrated in streets, skate parks, and roller skating rinks throughout North America, there are many great ways to get in on the action and a wide-ranging variety of locations for where to indulge in such skating endeavors. This is particularly true in the state of Maryland, home to an abundance of great skate destinations. From the heart of Baltimore to the bucolic stretches of vast mountain countryside throughout the western corridor of the state, Maryland boasts plenty of places to skate.
One very notable option, which would seem otherwise remote given its unassuming location in Upperco, even defies all expectations, standing out as a time-tested contested skating hotspot for more than six decades. I am, of course, referring to none other than Sportsman’s Hall.
The Sportsman’s Hall origin story is a unique one. We often hear of farm-to-table scenarios surrounding inheritances or takeovers of existing family farmland. Some stories recount a newer generation leading an initiative to reinvent a specific farm’s anchoring product(s) and/or marketing niche, or even offering something new in the way of agrotourism-related attractions. It’s a novelty to hear of a farm-to-skating rink scenario play out, but that is certainly the case where Sportsman’s Hall is concerned.
It was in 1959 that Baltimore-born local Harry Watson Morfoot took over his grandfather’s farm in Upperco, Maryland, located on the confluence of Baltimore and Carroll Counties. In the early days, he balanced farm life and city life accordingly, even going so far as to establish a noted huckstering route within the city limits where he sold eggs and homegrown farm produce from a truck.
He was 40 at the time, and still an active member of the Baltimore Bees Roller Hockey Team, which he belonged to throughout the 1940s and 50s. “Mr. Harry,” as he was often called, had always dreamed of one day owning and operating a roller skating rink himself. That’s when he got creative, utilizing his newer farmland venture to make his dream a reality. So, he got down to work, and groundbreaking began on the construction of what would soon emerge as Sportsman’s Hall Roller Skating Club. The new facility opened to the public in May 1959 at its present location.
While Sportsman’s Hall stands regally on its original spot, it should be noted that the building currently comprising the popular skating venue isn’t the original structure. The first one, which previously featured state-of-the-art (for that time) maple floating flooring and an arched wooden roof, burned down in 1992. A new one was built shortly after, right on the same site. It reopened to the public in 1997.
Mr. Harry sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve in 1998, at which time Roller Rock, LLC purchased Sportsman’s Hall from the Morfoot family. They were at the helm of all operations for a decade before the current owners, Coppermine, took over.
Visiting the facility today offers the same timeless fun as always, catering to all ages and skating levels. You still have the option to pay on the spot; however, please note that you may also do so online in advance by clicking here. Every skater is required to sign a waiver and review all rules and regulations in place at Sportsman’s Hall before skating. Click here to read and sign.
Sportman’s Hall offers it all, including onsite skate rentals and sales, private and public group lessons, skate sessions, and even organized group bookings. They also present party packages and serve well as an event venue, doling out all the works.
Party or not, the rink boasts a bountiful concessions counter with viable seating options available. Indulge in a wide range of fueling featured food favorites. You have all your classic lite bites, including ice cream, popcorn, snowballs, nachos, and more, along with more filling fare, such as hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, and chicken tenders. Value meals are also available. Click here for the full menu.
Special themed sessions and “skate nights” or “skate days” are also offered at various times. An upcoming Halloween Glow Night, for example, is one of this month’s most anticipated highlighted happenings to look forward to.
Sportsman’s Hall has undergone many different developments over the years. Through it all, operations have remained consistent in living up to Harry Morfoot’s founding motto and objective as “Maryland’s Friendliest Rink!” It certainly is that and so much more!
You can find Sportsman’s Hall at 15500 Hanover Pike, Upperco, Maryland 21155. For hours of operation, directions, and all other information, visit the website at www.sportsmanshallskating.com.