Before the Columbus Commons became your go-to spot for food trucks and live music, and way before City Center Mall became a thing, there was The Centrum. Located on the southeast corner of South High and East Town Streets, it was the place to be. Think ice skating in the winter, roller skating in the summer, live concerts, and a whole lot of ‘70s and ‘80s energy.
Opening on December 5, 1979, The Centrum was Columbus’ answer to Rockefeller Center. Except instead of Manhattan glamour, it had Midwestern charm, a fountain, and some serious roller disco vibes.
Skates, Tunes, and a Whole Lotta Fun
If you grew up in Columbus in the ‘80s, chances are you either laced up your skates here or at least knew someone who did. In the winter, the rink was filled with bundled-up skaters showing off their best moves—or just trying not to wipe out in front of their crush. Come summer, it turned into a roller-skating paradise, where disco jams blasted and you could pretend you were in a music video.
And let’s not forget the live music. Every Wednesday, The Centrum became concert central, thanks to The Centrum Event, a series of outdoor shows sponsored by WNCI. Picture local bands rocking out while people swayed, danced, and just generally had a great time.

For those who weren’t exactly coordinated enough to skate (no judgment), there was Café on the Centrum, a cozy little spot where you could grab a bite, sip some cocoa, and watch the chaos on the rink from a safe distance.
From Downtown Hotspot to Forgotten History
The Centrum had everything going for it, at least at first. It was built as part of a $3.4 million urban renewal project aimed at revitalizing the area south of the Statehouse. For a while, it worked. Families flocked to the rink, teenagers turned it into their hangout, and downtown felt alive.
But then, things started to fall apart. The surrounding buildings were torn down and turned into parking lots, leaving The Centrum feeling like a forgotten relic. By 1986, it was lights out. The rink shut down, and the site became a storage area during construction of the shiny new City Center Mall. In 1988, The Centrum was sold for $4.85 million, and just like that, the skating, the music, and the magic were gone.
A Nostalgic Glimpse
The Centrum might not exist anymore, but its memory still lingers. Maybe you were one of those kids who learned to skate there, or maybe you caught one of those Wednesday concerts with your friends.
Today, when you’re lounging at Columbus Commons, it’s worth remembering that beneath those picnic blankets and yoga mats lies a piece of downtown Columbus history. The Centrum may have disappeared, but for anyone lucky enough to experience it, it’s a reminder of a time when downtown was the coolest place to lace up a pair of skates.