GALION – The new Tigers Den in Galion is off to a “roaring” good start.
The roller-skating rink and entertainment venue, located at 232 Portland Way North in the Galion West Shopping Center, officially opened June 1 with plenty of games, music, dancing, and fun activities for young and old alike.
“I wanted to get a skating rink back going in Galion. That’s what a lot of kids like,” said owner Brian Tinch, who as a youngster skated at the rink above the Golden Age Center on South Market Street. “This is just something I enjoyed when I was growing up.”
The 5,500-square-foot building – formerly Family Dollar – is decorated in Tiger orange and blue. It features a brand-new skating rink with flashing LED lights and on the opposite side a game room with a pool, foosball, air hockey, corn hole, basketball, and skeet ball.
The facility is also available for private functions, Tinch said, including birthday parties and graduations. Customers get free Wi-Fi access and also have the option of purchasing snacks and beverages at a large concession stand separating the rink from the game area.
Artist Melissa Taylor of Galion painted the original artwork throughout the facility – orange paw print borders, multi-colored “Tigers Den” lettering in the game room, and the ferocious tigers that appear to be lurching out of the walls in the skating area.
Tinch, who actually purchased the skating equipment three years ago, said he has invested thousands of dollars in his dream project – electrical upgrades and repairs, brand-new restrooms, and a state-of-the-art skating floor made from the impact-resistant PVC material used in roller hockey.
Tinch built the 25-foot-long counter used for concessions and skate rentals, while his son, Rian, also helped with the renovation, which included adding disco-style lighting and booths and tables equipped with much sought-after charging stations.
Every Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. is “Christian Rock & Skate Night” at the Tigers Den. Teen Dance Nights are Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight, with open skating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. during the summer.
Waivers, which are available online at www.thetigersdengalion.com, are required for admission. “The biggest thing is we follow the rules here,” said Tinch, who also owns and operates a lawn care business in town. “Long-term, I think it’s the only way it’s going to work.”
“We’re trying to do a clean, safe version of what we need in town. If it eventually pays for itself, I’m happy. This place will be here for a long time.
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