Teen-centered Astro Skate Club event rolls Friday

BRADENTON -- Astro Skate Club in Bradenton will host a special night from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday to create a safe, welcoming and fun place for teens to hang out on the biggest retail day of the year.

"The whole premise behind it is to give kids a place to go and have fun," said Jordan Ross, an event organizer. "They're the only age group that doesn't really have anywhere."

"Blackout Friday" costs $10 and is open to middle and high school students only. Students must present school ID.

DJs, pizza and raffle tickets are included in the price of admission.

The skate club event, at 3611 Third St. W., is the first of its kind for the skate club. Ross said he hopes it can become a monthly event to benefit students between 12 and 18 years old.

"We just wanted to give them a place where they can hang out," Ross said.

Younger children have more organized play areas such as Chuck E. Cheese, Ross said.

Once you hit 18, and then 21, clubs and other adult venues become available. The middle group can become lost and end up on the streets, Ross said.

Ross said he and co-organizer, Michael Timothy, remember what it was like being that age with nothing to do. It's when the mischief happens, Ross said.

"We understand what happens when you have nothing to do and nowhere to go," he said.

Security will be onsite. The dress code includes no purses, bandanas, long shirts, bikini tops or boots.

Information: Go to astroskatingcenter.com.

Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter@MeghinDelaney.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Teen-centered Astro Skate Club event rolls Friday ."