Participants roller skate at the Church of 8 Wheels with a view of the altar as the disco ball shimmers lights around the historic architecture. / Photo By Francis Tatem.

Friday Night Lights: Gaels Twirl and Whirl at the Church of 8 Wheels Roller Rink in San Francisco

With funding provided by the student enhancement fee, the BSU co-sponsored the Adventure Trip to the Fillmore District to experience a nostalgic retro culture at the Church of 8 Wheels.

by Campus Recreation | February 28, 2025

Gaels ventured to the Fillmore District on Friday, February 21 to wander through the city and skate around at the Church of 8 Wheels, twirling and whirling to disco funk and pop under disco balls and neon lights. Founded in 2013, the Church of 8 Wheels has become an electric and eclectic hotspot to bring generations of experienced and beginner roller skating enthusiasts together. For this former worship space filled with stained glass windows and lofty arches, the eccentric roller skating experience brings life back to this historic building. This historic site was a place of worship from its completion of construction in 1896 to its closing in 2004.

Amira Jones ‘25 holds on tightly to David Laines '25 while rolling around the rink during the SMC Roller Skating Night at the Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco. / Photo By Francis Tatem — Hold on Tight: **Amira Jones ’25** and **David Laines ’25** rolling around the rink during the SMC Roller Skating Night at the Church of 8 Wheels in San Francisco. */ Photo By Francis Tatem*

Upon arriving, students received a guide to Black-owned businesses and restaurants, to explore before they laced up. Skaters were decked out for the occasion, sporting custom trucker hats, including a retro BSU logo. Sarah Bagdon ‘25 who attended the event enjoyed the skating and the company of fellow Gaels. “It allowed me to talk to new people as well as others I knew in passing!” she said.

“I really enjoyed this event because it allowed me to talk to new people as well as others I knew in passing!”
—Sarah Bagdon ’25

Bright Smile: Advait Powdwal ‘25 smiles for the camera during the SMC Roller Night event co-sponsored by BSU on Friday, Feb 21, 2025. / Photo By Francis Tatem. — Bright smile: **Advait Powdwal ’25** enjoys the beat of the music—and the upbeat vibe of the whole evening. */ Photo By Francis Tatem*

"Skating at the Church of 8 Wheels was a fun and upbeat experience. The atmosphere was lively and it was a great night to spend with friends."
—Advait Powdwal '25

"Skating at the Church of 8 Wheels was a fun and upbeat experience," said Advait Powdwal ’25. "The atmosphere was lively and it was a great night to spend with friends." This adventure trip, funded by the student enhancement fee, provided students with a unique yet quirky opportunity to visit one of San Francisco's beloved destinations.

Story updated May 16, 2025 at 2:45 p.m.