Roller Derby!

When I wrote “#89 – See a live sporting event”on my 101 in 1001 list, it was March 2008 and I was living in Chicago. I didn’t specify, but I just assumed that I would go to a Cubs game at some point.

Flash forward a couple of years, and this is how I’m crossing that particular line off of the list:

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Derby City Rollergirls!

After reading about roller derby on Pamie and Jen’s sites for years, then reading Pamie’s book about it, I figured it was time to see a live bout for myself. On Saturday night, Mr. Martini and I ventured to the Manslick Rollerdome to watch the Derby City Rollergirls vs. Northeast Ohio Rollergirls. We had a great time!

The rink was packed with people, filling up the stands and shoulder to shoulder along the rail. Mr. M and I were lucky enough to grab a rail spot after a couple of guys vacated it for a chance to sit in the “suicide seats.” (The suicide seats are at either end of the track, and are not protected by a rail, so there’s a chance you could end up with a roller girl in your lap.)

The girls played hard, and the DCRG jammers were incredible – they were fast and wily and seemed to find holes between opposing blockers like magic. Our blockers were pretty impressive, too – my new hero is Jimi Hit Trix, who would look so casual as she hipchecked an opponent, seemingly with no effort whatsoever, and that opposing blocker would just go flying off the track.

Did I mention they were fast? They were very fast.

I thought I’d be out of place in my khaki shorts and sensible sandals, but the crowd was filled with every kind of person imaginable. Gray haired ladies, kids, punks, yuppies, hipsters, you name it, they were all there supporting their team, and having a great time.

I wasn’t sure if photos were allowed, so I didn’t bring my good camera. Next time, I definitely will to get some better shots.

Derby City in red, Northeast Ohio in purple

As the bout started, Mr. Martini turned to me and said, “This is fantastic. We should do stuff like this more often!”

Agreed. It was a great time, and I’m only sorry it was the last home bout of the season. We’ll definitely go back next year.

Oh, and I almost forgot – Derby City won the bout, with a score of 139 to 41. Woo-hoo!

For more info about the DCRG, check out their website.