Here are 10 things people who grew up in the ’80s remember about Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Nostalgia runs deep for those who grew up in Rockford, Illinois, during the 1980s.

A time of economic shifts and technological advances, the decade left a lasting imprint on the community. Here are 10 things that would resonate with anyone who grew up in the Rockford area in the ’80s.

10. Restaurants: The 1980s dining scene featured favorites like Shakey’s Pizza with its all-you-can-eat buffet, Geri’s Hamburgers for classic burgers and the Ground Round with its friendly vibe with peanut shells on the floor. There were also favorites like the Last Straw Ice cream parlor, Maria’s Italian restaurant, Jungle Jim’s and the Mayflower.

9. Minor League Baseball at Marinelli Field: The excitement of watching the Rockford Expos, Rockford Cubbies and Rockford Royals at this historic field brought summer fun with affordable games and a family atmosphere.

8. Cheap Trick’s Rise: The local rock band’s global success with “Cheap Trick at Budokan” in 1979 brought pride, catapulted quartet into stardom. Cheap Trick then became a staple on MTV in the 1980s, which helped cement their place in rock history. The band’s 1988 single “The Flame” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making Cheap Trick an act that defined 1980s rock ‘n’ roll. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of

7. The MetroCentre Opening: The 1981 debut of this 10,000-seat arena brought concerts and events, including a legendary performance by The Rolling Stones, marking a modern chapter for downtown entertainment amid economic challenges. The facility is now known as the BMO Center.

6. High Unemployment: The early 1980s recession hit hard, with job losses reaching nearly 10,000 as the city’s once vibrant factories became a stark memory for families across Rockford. Only a fraction of the city’s factories would rebound, as several companies took their operations overseas, ending Rockford’s reign as one the largest manufacturing hubs in the United States.

5. “Symbol” Sculpture Drama: The 47-foot abstract sculpture by Alexander Liberman was installed in 1978 in Rockford’s pedestrian mall, sparking controversy about why it belonged in the middle of a downtown street. “Symbol” was removed from the mall in 1984 and reinstalled along the Rock River inside Sinnissippi Park. A longstanding debate about whether the sculpture is red or orange began in the early 1980s and is still alive today.

4. Arcade Fever: Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man ruled local arcades like Tilt, Aladdin’s Castle and Game Factory, where kids spent hours mastering games, a quintessential ‘80s pastime that echoed nationwide trends.

3. Rockford Speedway Thrills: The roar of engines and the iconic taglines from TV ads made this track a summer staple, drawing crowds for thrilling races. The speedway closed in 2024 after 76 years.

2. On the Waterfront Festival: What began in 1985 as a downtown Rockford block party, the On the Waterfront festival quickly grew into the largest outdoor music festival in Illinois. It ended in 2012 after 27 years.

1. Rockford’s Dance and Live Music Bars: The 1980s buzzed with energy at hotspots like Cubbie O’Briens, The Bedrock, Blue Suede Shoes, Hard Times, Stash O’Neils, and more, where live bands and dance floors fueled the nightlife scene.