Boston Derby Dames
Category: Active Life Amateur Sports Teams Amateur Sports Teams [Edit]
Cambridge, MA 02238Neighborhood: Harvard Square
- Nearest Transit:
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Jfk St @ Eliot St (66, 86)
Jfk St @ Eliot St (66)
16 Eliot St (86)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
67 reviews for Boston Derby Dames
67 reviews in English
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Review from Marcella G.
Waltham, MA
4/29/2012
what-a-bunch-a-classy-broads-on-wheels
i'm used to derby a-la-austin
texas
this was super on time
super family friendly
and super all about the bouts
next time
i need to bring friends
and wear funny hats
bring noise makers and pom poms
and make up some chants and cheers -
Review from Glenn N.
Cambridge, MA
3/14/2012
Simply the most fun I've had while living in Boston. A great show, great value and a fun crowd.
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Review from K. Brooke Z.
Boston, MA
10/28/2011
I've seen countless roller derby teams from all over New England, and I can say that the BDD sure can compete and put on a good show..
They often have double headers, so you get your moneys worth for entertainment.
The BDD ladies have show great sportsmanship while still getting tough. If you havent been to a bout before, I recommend trying it out at least once. -
Review from Glenn B.
Rowley, MA
1/28/2012
Superfan of Wicked Pissahs!
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Review from laura W.
4/26/2011
This is an incredible experience. Like another reviewer said, it is part circus, part sporting event. Read the rules before hand. Let the crowds' energy wisp you away into a roller derby frenzy. Soon you'll be stomping your feet and screaming with all the power inside you!
Cost for ticket: $15 ... get them in advance because it is about a 15mn drive (FREE PARKING!) and it'd suck to get all the way out there for a sold out sign to slap you in the face. plus $15 gets you TWO games and an invite to the dance party afterwards!
Cheap snacks/draaanks: $5-6 a beer, $2-5 pizza/hot dawgs/sausages, $3 cupcakes. They also sell cute BDD tees and stickers!
I can't wait to go again! -
Review from Nate Y.
6/13/2011
When I think of roller derby two things pop in my head; the pro wrestling like roller derby they used to show on tv back in the 70's and James Caan. Now it will only be derby at the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington with the Boston Derby Dames. Can I say these girls are hot?! And boy can they skate! Their nicknames, refs included, were very inventive and sometimes downright hilarious (i.e. Jimichanga?)
I was lucky enough to score a complimentary ticket (thanks be to Yelp) and with veteran fans like Sarah d. to explain the basics of scoring, etc. I got the gist of it pretty quickly. The fan support seems pretty strong and quite the variety of individuals. I'd say at least 30% are tattooed.
There's a concession stand and you also have the honor of entering the Fez room for some adult beverages. I only wish they had a Fez you could try on. Mayhaps someday, something to aspire to. -
Review from Patrick M.
Boston, MA
12/30/2011
Before the Derby Dames, I had never actually been to a roller derby match before. I kind of had my assumptions but damn are these girls something. They can probably skate better than I can walk and they look good while doing it! By the end of it, not only had my tongue hit the floor, but I actually knew a bit about roller derby. Mostly because they were all about educating their audience on top of putting on an entertaining show for us.
The Fez bar was pretty good too. Can't beat cheep drinks while watching sexy girls skate circles around each other. -
Review from Dan C.
6/14/2011
To paraphrase The Big Lebowski, "these chicks can roll man..."
I only had a vague idea what the hell roller derby was before going to see the Boston Derby Dames at the Shriners Auditorium the other day. Four hours, 2 bouts, and a few beers later, and I'm a hard sold fan! It took some time and a few explanations to get the rules down, but this sport is really something to watch. To add icing to the cake, these girls make a cool sport downright addictive.
The action is basically non-stop as these girls put everything on the line and check/race each other around in one hour long matches. The crazy athleticism they put out there really knocked me on my ass, and once I understood the rules, I was screaming alongside all the other die hards.
Beyond that the culture of roller derby was a refreshing change. I've never enjoyed sports that take themselves too seriously. Roller Derby though keeps it light and real. As a for instance, players all have their own comical monikers from "Whitey Vulgar" to "Ivonna Shankabitch". Added alongside the carnival-esque environment of the Shriner's concession stands and bleachers, and this is entertainment gold.
As a first time viewer, I didn't have a huge amount of understanding or expectation for going to an event like this. Having been once and had my expectations blown away? I am damn well sure I'm going back! -
Review from Eric S.
Allston-Brighton, MA
5/15/2011
All you need to know:
-Fast-paced
-Great names (e.g.Maya Mangleyou)
-Big hits
-Great crowd
-Shriners
Be there or be somewhere less exciting -
Review from Christopher S.
Framingham, MA
9/8/2010 5 photos
Over the last 4 months my I have been going to see the BDD play bouts at the Shriner's Auditorium with my girlfriend and have been having an absolute blast! I never knew that roller derby existed in Massachusetts before in other parts of the country. BDD is a flat-track, all-girl league of skaters on three local teams (Nutcrackers, Cosmonaughties & Wicked Pissahs) and a single travel team (Boston Massacre). Each team has a theme, great outfits to support their personality and a unique mascot. Most people from the older generation of derby like to believe that it is more of the old-school style where it was more for show with intentional injuries. Here it is a competitive sport where fights, trips, elbowing will get you tossed out of a game. However, injuries can still occur which is why no game begins without EMT present.
The roller-girls may look tough and scary but you'll be surprised how down-to-earth they all are. On many different occasions I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the team members and found they hold down normal jobs like you and me. Lawyers, teachers, nurses, retail workers, administrative assistants, I could go on. What is ever more creative than the costumes and outfits is how creative they can get with their derby-names; Dreadnought, Slam Chowdah, Krushpuppy and Sugar Hits are some of my favorites.
Games are often two bouts in a row so you can spend a good afternoon and evening watching these girls move around the rink. Usually before and after attendees hang out to party, relax, grab some autographs or chat with other fans. Everyone has a good time and everything is so well organized. I'm sad the season is ending after the game this weekend but I'll be ready to watch a whole season next year. -
Review from James W.
Somerville, MA
3/19/2011
I just went to my first BDD bout and I am hooked! I'll be seeing you all there.
A couple tips: The bouts have been selling out a couple days before, so make sure to get your tickets online. Or, if you know a team member, I believe you can get tickets from them.
If you're unclear on the rules, check out this video: http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Tom E.
5/13/2008
$12 Ticket + $5 Drink + $2 Food + $1 Tip = $20
One twenty dollar bill for 4 hours of:
(a) hanging with the widest slice of society from old men who wear red Fez hats and like driving tiny cars to heavily tatooed lesbian vegans with bulldogs.
(b) watching thrilling bodacious girls with hilarious names beat the crap out of each other to a great soundtrack, with a Bud light in one hand and a salty pretzel in the other.
WHAT IS THERE NOT TO LOVE ABOUT AMERICA? -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2008
I went to the last bout of the season, my devirginization.
Slap me now, and call me an addict.
This here is some mighty fine roller derby. The dames are kick ass, theatrical and amazingly athletic. Plus they've got some seriously clever/bad ass names: Maura Buse, Claire D. Way, Harlot Fever, etc.
The whole experience is unparalleled. The spread of folks brought together is a crazy social experiment -- grandpas in red fezzes to lezzes with punked out tatts to townies to hood rats -- the chorus of cheering, stomping on bleachers building to a unifying palpable energy really transcends all these social boundaries.
Newbies, don't be shy. The rules are straightforward, and the announcers are great about talking out the plays. Get ready for February '09 when the Dames will bring it hard once again! -
Review from Jenna C.
Haverhill, MA
7/30/2007
The Boston Derby Dames are the real deal! They're Boston's first and only all-female, DIY, skater-owned and -operated flat track roller derby league! And I am a proud member: Jennasaurus Wrecks- r04r
Contrary to what you may believe this full contact sport is totally UNSCRIPTED. (Julia A.- they're uniforms not costumes). We are proud members of WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) and play by rules that are created and voted on by roller girls nation wide. Whether you come to check out one of our informal black and white summer scrimmages or an actual bout you are going to have a blast! Clearly from the other reviews posted no one has been disappointed.
Our bouts, which we put on about once a month during the season, are held at the Shriner's Auditorium right of exit 39 on 93 in Wilmington, MA. It's literally only a hop, skip and a jump away from the city. The Shriner's snack stands offer beer, wine, pretzels and an assortment of other snacks during the bout. When the game is over we invite everyone to join us in the Fez room (which is when the FULL BAR opens) for the best after parties EVER. DJ Boo Boo keeps the music pumping until they kick us out at midnight.
COSMO FOR LIFE!Listed in: If you need me on the…
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Review from scott m.
Boston, MA
2/27/2011
HUGE FAN and supporter of THE WICKED PISSAHS. This is great family fun each month. Cheap tickets, cheap beer and snacks, but great excitment and fun when you know the rules. the skaters are serious and go full on, and it is a physical sport.
The seats fill up quickly, so I suggest you come late so i always get a seat. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
9/15/2007
So, here I am sitting at the Holbrook Sports Center on a Saturday afternoon watching roller derby and surfin' the 'information superhighway' (as Jenna C's girlfriend calls it) on my macbook (How the hell does this place have free wifi but no heat?)
Anyway, what a perfect time to write a review of the dames I love, especially since their new season opens with their bout next Saturday at the Shriners Auditorium.
*Sidenote, Shelby Shattered (hot captain of the Wicked Pissahs) just came up and threatened me. Finger to my face, 'YOU BETTER BE WEARING RED THIS SEASON!' Red is the Wicked Pissah color.
Back to my review...these girls are amazing. I'm not big into sports and never have been nor probably ever will be. But for some reason there is this really awesome connection I have to roller derby. Maybe it's the girls getting their asses kicked, the hot fishnets, or the overall gayness of women on women on roller skates--whatever it is that draws me, I love it.
A few yelpers on here are involved with roller derby themselves so clearly you should show your support by attending their bouts. The bouts are a short drive up 93 North (Shriners in Wilmington) and they even offer a shuttle bus from the commuter rail station if you don't have a car/afraid to drive amongst the New Hampshire folk venturing across the border into our society.
Tickets are not too expensive (about $15) and the bouts themselves are amazing. About a thousand people screaming 'HIT HER' or 'EAT A DICK RICE ROCKET' (note, I said that to a Texas roller girl when she messed with one of my bitchnizzles from BDD). There is beer & wine (food too, but who cares) available during the bout and there is ALWAYS an afterparty where mixed drinks are then available. The afterparties are sooo much fun--drinking and dancing until midnight with the hottest girls in Boston...nothing better. Just don't spill one of their drinks or they may booty block you into a trash barrel.
*Harlot Fevah, tough girl that she is, just screamed like a little girl when there was a spider making its home on her derby bag*
Anyway...if you're into sports, love watching hot women kick each others ass whilst half naked, or you're just looking for something new & cool to do...THEN YOU MUST CHECK OUT THE BOSTON DERBY DAMES. DO IT. -
Review from Peench P.
Cambridge, MA
2/17/2008
"Yeah I'm coming!! -I'm not sure - it's snowing - I'll think about it- maybe I should go - maybe I shouldn't" ...so what!?!, I'm a Libra, I can't decide shit.
If you're having doubts about whether you should make your way to watch the Boston Derby Dames, I'll give you a tip, have a friend call you or better yet, yell at you "OH FUCK, NADYA COME ON, I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE ON YOUR PJ's, JUST FUCKING PUT ON YOUR PEACOCK AND COME THE FUCK OUT HERE, that was just the short version, WARNING: if you're a girl and you're pms-ing, tell your friend to use a sweet version, you may get a bit teary because of the yelling and the laughs.
Anywhoo, this was my second bout and went there to root for Jennasaurus Wrecks, A.K.A Jenna C. I must say, this last bout was really awesome, tougher, girls slamming other girls with no mercy, I was jealous.
And after the bout, it's the after party, baked goods, booze, chips, pretzels, pretzels on boob pockets, music, it reminded me of the wedding parties from home, where there is always the child that shouldn't exactly be there, the drunk Aunt that says she is fine, but she is just slurring words and doesn't want to give up the car keys.
There's really no excuse to not make it, their home base it's at Shriners Auditorium, is about 20 minutes north from the city, on route 93 exit 39.
Do yourself a favor and go check the Boston Derby Dames, it'll be fun, I promise. -
Review from Devon M.
4/9/2009
I'm not sure how I'd never spent an afternoon watching girls get roughed up by running into each other with their hips while on roller skates, but I finally got to observe a few weekends ago. First off, the bouts are held at the Shiner's Auditorium in Wakefield. Where's that? I didn't know either until I went-it's really only a ten minute drive on the highway from Somerville, so much less of a drive than I'd geared up for. We ended up there early along with a crowd of people who didn't know how long it'd take to get to Wakefield either.
The derby is really fun, and I got shockingly very into watching. I was kind of surprised of my interest as I general don't care much about sports, but this is a legit and very fast moving actual sport that holds my attention. The enthusiasm the derby girls have is great-clearly they are all very devoted. I was in attendance with a derby boyfriend, and he was the loud guy shouting at the ref and cheering on the Massacre. The auditorium comes complete with old folks serving $4 beers and cheap snacks ($2 hamburgers!). Also, if you order a gin and tonic once the lounge is open, they give it to you in a little plastic cup for your collection of cups you have at home that you wish you didn't ever bring home. I'll definitely be back again-it's a fun adventure to Wakefield, just bring a designated driver to cart ya home after. -
Review from Emily O.
Cambridge, MA
7/14/2006
Have you not been to a Rollerderby Bout by now? These girls KICK ASS. No, literally. An explosion of hardcore ladies on wheels, checking each other, landing in the crowded bleacher seats, maybe on you if you're lucky enough to be in the front row. It's some sort of weird circus/ultimate fighting, dizzying affair not to be missed.
Sadly though at the time of writing, they are without a venue to hold bouts in. If you know of a generous place that will along women to storm in, skate in circles and has a PA, give them a shout. The fans are going through serious withdrawal without them! -
Review from Leigh K.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/8/2007
The Boston Derby Dames are actually in the middle of the inaugral season, with their 4th bout scheduled for this Saturday, February 10th.
All bouts are held at the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA. Directions:Shriners is located just 15 minutes north of Boston at Exit 39 on Route 93. There is FREE parking on site. OR you can take the 4:00 pm Lowell commuter rail from North Station (MBTA Green or Orange Line). Get off at the Wilmington stop to catch the free BDD shuttle bus to Shriners Auditorium. The Shuttle will leave after the bout in time for the 9:14 train from Wilmington back to North Station.
Doors open at 5pm, Bout starts at 6pm. They've had 1,000+ fans at the first 3 bouts and its been AMAZING. Definitely come check it out. !!
Remainder of Season:
February 10th: Boston Massacre vs Philly Liberty Belles
March 10th: Playoffs between Wicked Pissahs and the Nutcrackers. The Cosmonaughties will be playing another game that day as well.
April 14th: Boston Massacre vs TBD
May 5th: Championship game: Cosmonaughties vs winner of Playoffs.
http://www.bostonderby...
http://www.myspace.com... -
Review from Jane B.
Stoneham, MA
5/23/2007
Roller Derby and all the skaters ROCK! I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet!
My fiance and I have been addicted since last autumn when we atteneded our first bout to support our friend's sistah on the Wicked Pissahs. Sad that the season is now over, but looking forward to the next season.
It's worth going if not only for the people watching you can do. There are folks from every walk of life. Little girls in ballet skirts, grandparents, college guys, punk girls, and more - all just having a blast and hanging out together.
The Shriner's Auditorium also sells food and beer to keep your tummy satisfied during the bout. The burgers and hotdogs are decent, but unfortunately their soft pretzels leave MUCH to be desired.
During the "halftime" break (not really half time as there are two of them) local bands play for the crowd. The 80s hair cover band was probably the most amusing of the bunch this past season.
After the bout the loverly ladies sign autographs and then there is a party in the Fez Room at the Shriner's Auditorium. If you're sans automobile, they have a shuttle bus from the train station too.
So, go and you'll have a blast!Listed in: I know what do!
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Review from Brian D.
Somerville, MA
8/15/2010
First in the interest of full disclosure I'm byass as I'm the SO of a dame, but BDM is the most fun one can have on a Saturday night. Derby rocks! BDM events are great fun.
A few tips - early in the season they will sell out, so buy tickets online. During the summer you can get them at the door.
Events are kid friendly - early starts are great and the dames always love signing autographs and encouraging kids in sports.
Anyone can tailgate before the event. After the event there is a party on site open to all who love derby.
Its not as violent as people expect. However, it is fast pass with contact, which leads to falls. But there is no outright violence or people trying to hurt each other.
In general I think fans enjoy the second bout they watch the most, as they now understand the basic rules and can get into the speed of the game. After that, around the 10th bout you start to understand the subtleties of the game.
At the beginning of the first bout they cover the rules in a little demonstration, which is good for first timers.
BDD is an amazing event and will appeal to a broad audience. Come see for your self. -
Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
3/24/2007
THE BOSTON DERBY DAMES KICK ASS!!!
They are a lot of fun to watch and all have the cutest costumes and personality, but are bad ass at the same time... you can't go wrong!
The bouts are a nice fair price and you can get beer and food for cheap and make it a fun night. -
Review from Lady Fang Y.
Boston, MA
4/7/2007
Nutcracker for LIFE!!
I left due to a knee injury, gotta love physical therapy! They have sooo many awesome parties and Boo-Boo always DJ's. Don't let these dames fool you, they have PhD's & masters degrees! They're mommies and full timers and all have a love of the game!
I recommend these dames over any other source of entertainment! -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
5/10/2007
After months of looking at Katherine T. and going, "hey, we really should check out Roller Derby," I finally made it this past weekend--and man did I regret not going sooner.
As a kid I used to roller skate all the time--watching the dames makes me want to dig my old knee high hot pink embarassments out of my parents' garage.
Next season I'll be sure to catch as many bouts as possible--the shuttle bus made it so easy to get back and forth to Shriner's--and part of the proceeds go to charity. Seriously, what's better than an evening of athleticism, ripped fishnets, and raucous cheering--all for a good cause too.Listed in: Local music, Grope-Free Booty Shaking, Off the beaten path -…
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Review from Jake M.
3/25/2009 3 Check-ins Here
Why the Boston Derby Dames are the best derby bang for your derby buck, by way of comparison to other, lesser derbies:
a) Soap Box Derby - Pros: occasionally inventive amateur automotive engineering accompanied by hilarious crashes and pileups. Free.
Cons: snotty squalling 8 year olds, and their equally snotty squalling parents. Plus, quaintly anachronistic and terminally dorky, and not in a good way
b) Kentucky Derby - Pros: obnoxiously ornate, floppy hats. Bourbon. Comically short men
Cons: Over in 2 minutes. In Kentucky. Collisions usually end in death.
c) Demolition Derby - Pros: chaos, noise, fire, collision, demolition.
Cons: none, really. Except, no dames. Occasionally questionable audience make up.
d) Derbies - Pros: Egalitarian sophistication. Makes you look classy without being a ponce. Also, Cabaret.
Cons: A Clockwork Orange. Actually called bowlers.
e) Roller Derby - Pros: organized chaos, noise, collisions, pile-ups, all w/dames, and a whole huge heaping helping of awesome on the side. Intriguing socio-economic generational/cultural cross section of audience. Infectious female empowerment in action, whipping around a flat track at a billion miles an hour. The names (oh the names!) - brilliant for their meta-cleverness and general pun driven hilarity (find your favorites here at the registry: http://www.twoevils.or...
Cons: my roller derby name, Slammah Montana, has sadly already been spoken for. -
Review from Adam B.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/19/2008
Beer-swilling seagulls and dancing robots. Speedy punk chicks with punny nicknames on rollerskates. Shriners, hipsters, lesbians, and families, all under one roof. Live bands in between periods.
(Sing along now) "America... @&%# yeah!"
Derby Dames rock because you can enjoy it either way. Want to do the whole post-ironic hipster thing? No problem. But my friend who came with last time, almost despite herself, ended up really enjoying it as a legitimate sporting event, and ended up shouting herself hoarse by the end of the night.
Clearly the next step will be a Derby Dames on skates vs Shriners on their Tiny Motorcycles match! Let's make it happen! -
Review from Kerri O.
1/9/2008
I love going to bouts!
I love the crowd, I love the teams, I love that it's in a Shriner's Hall, and you get to hang out with old duffers in Fez caps.
I love tough girls duking it out on the track, and still looking sexy. I love the track names.
I love the Wicked Pissahs, especially, and their Dorchester Pride, and all their fans who show up early to tailgate.
This is the most fun you can have, legally. Or with your clothes on.
I only wish we could see our girls bout with more teams from out of State. I checked out the nationwide site, and there's teams all over the place. The most hilarious team bios are on the New Orleans site.
Check it out, for a chuckle.Listed in: Places to visit
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Review from Sean E.
Cambridge, MA
2/12/2007
Thanks Boston Derby Dames, for an ass-kicking Saturday night. Those Philly chicks are tough, what!? But I don't think anyone in the packed audience left disappointed. You put on a great show and I recommend to everyone that you check these dames out at some point. I can't think of many better ways to spend an evening than by enjoying the soul nourishing food and drink of the Shriners Auditorium and cheering on Boston's finest ladies on eight wheels as they take care of business.
I do hope you can keep up the bus service for those who are taking the T -- it worked out great for us and it'll be a whole lot more difficult to get out there without it. The bus driver was pretty cool too. -
Review from kurt m.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/24/2010
The first time I went it was a lot of fun. The food is cheap, the tickets aren't too expensive and it was exciting. It helped that Boston won big.
The second time I went I realized the problem with a lot of roller derby matches: they're blowouts. The first time was okay but the next match was pretty horrendous as Boston got skunked. I know it's not the teams' faults they get blown out - sometimes that's just the way things go. But it doesn't make for very entertaining skating. Within the first ten minutes of the matches I watched it was obvious who was going to win.
My other complaint is that it's so far out of Boston. I'm sure it's not easy to find a place, but it would rule if this was actually in the city.
It is fun to see girls beat the crap out of each other now and then and it's pretty exciting to experience at least once but I can't say I'd ever go back to see another match. -
Review from Erin M.
9/13/2008
Although it may take a few minutes to pick up on the rules (the program explains them, so along with the commentators this is a HUGE help!), the Boston Derby Dames version of the roller derby is phenomenal. These girls are sassy, athletic, and TOUGH. I went to the final bout of the season in August with my best friend (Merida F. from DC!!) and she and I spent most of the bout absolutely mesmerized by how great these girls were. We were definitely jealous of how clever the girls' nicknames were and how they handled themselves on the rink. It is obvious that although in a competition for 60 minutes, roller derby is family.
What also impressed me was how unique the crowd was. The staff at Shriners Auditorium is older but eager to please the younger crowd that comes. There were plenty of "older" people in attendance but everyone seemed to get along regardless of their walk of life. It was great!
The after party was also fun. One of the staff members (older) invited us after we asked him to take our photo. He told us to come because it is where everyone "gets down" (insert "get down" shimmy here) after the bout. This man kept to his word and it was awesome to watch a man well into his 60s-70s shake it with a group of 20 somethings.
I can't wait for February to make the trip back to Shriners and watch these girls kick some ass again!Listed in: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
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Review from Hisham K.
Cambridge, MA
3/2/2009
Every now and then I go a sports bar with some friends and watch a game - baseball, basketball, football, soccer - but never really feel that connection. "Oh look, he's kicked the ball. Now the other guy has it. He'll probably kick it as well. Indeed he has. Apparently that's worthy of applause and hullabaloo."
How and why someone could get so worked up over a bunch of men running after a ball trying to put it somewhere other than where it is seemed so silly to me, and no matter how much I tried to get into it, I just never could. I just accepted that I'm not into sports, unless it's badminton. I guess I'm just not a regular guy. (Thank God.)
Then I went to Shriner's Auditorium for the opening bout of Roller Derby and watched Boston Massacre versus Maine Port Authorities. I felt something within me stir. I was cheering! I was yelling! I was drinking! I wasn't booing, because those dames can kick anyone's ass, but now I understand - this is what it's like to enjoy a sport!
Those derby dames are awesome. Full of sass, power, and maybe grace, any one of these betches can take you down in a bar fight. They also have hilarious nicknames, like Claire D Way, Kitty Twister, Britknee Breaker, Maura Buse, Sugar Hits, and Kitty Twister, to name a few. My favorite skater is Krushpuppy, hands down.
There was upward of 1,560 people there (they announced the exact number but I don't remember it), and a lot of people had to sit on the floor by the rink because there weren't enough seats. Or maybe they sat there because it just adds to the adrenaline and excitement.
The rules are explained at the beginning, and even if you don't understand it at first, it's very easy to follow once you watch the jammers try to get through the pack. Lots of booty blocking is involved, and before you know it you'll be cheering your favorite skater and heckling those in the penalty box.
Hotdogs, burgers, fries, popcorn, soda, beer, and even a halftime show featuring Slim Jim and the Mad Cows (one of whom was with calf). I did not feel like I was in Massachusetts. This was the most fun I'd had all week!
I had heard about roller derby before, but never got around to going because... well, I don't know why I never went, but now I'm pretty much kicking myself and I'm gonna go to as many bouts as I can. It almost makes me want to go back to Chez Vous in Dorchester and start something (on Kids' Night. I'll start small.)
Don't do what I did. Go. Now. You won't regret it. -
Review from Dana B.
Somerville, MA
7/21/2008
Oh man do I love me some roller derby!
It's so much fun!! Boston is comprised of three different teams: Wicked Pissahs, Cosmonaughties, and Boston Massacres. Each gal has her own physically devastating roller derby name. (My favorite is Maura Buse).
The derby garb is colorful. The players are incredibly into it. The crowd loves it. And once you understand the scoring, you will too! I also have a blast at the merchandise table every time I go. Each team has a different shirt and some of the teams even have their players on buttons.
I also love the DIY aspect of this. The dames do pretty much everything themselves.
While the teams do play themselves from time to time, teams visit from all over (mostly the northeast) offering a can of whoop ass - and, honestly, the dames are the best because they kick ass EVERY SINGLE TIME.
It's something different to do if you're tired of the same old, same old. The ladies also host an after game dance party that I have yet to stay late for, but would love to. -
Review from Greg S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/7/2007 2 photos
I LOVE BOSTON DERBY DAMES!!
I've been following this crew since way back when they had their exhibition bout in Providence on that sweet-ass outdoor track and we were all like freezing our asses off and catching skates in our teeth on the front row. Then they moved up to the gym at MassArt - Sold. It. Out. and STILL had a huuuuuge line around the block. That was freakin awesome.
I am still sad that "Bone Saw" cut her derby career short. She was kickass. (She just quit. Nothing tragic happened. That I know of.)
The Nutcrackers are my girls (with a special place in my heart for a select few from the Cosmonaughties - Easy Bake Shovin' and Violet Rage). But my main girl has got to be Malicen Thunderland. Girl skates with HEART!
You are guaranteed an awesome time at these bouts. Go! Support this local sports juggernaut while you can still afford their tickets!
Player-owned and operated!
These are no princesses and prima donnas. They get down and dirty. They're not afraid to fall on their asses.
The bands are sometimes fun, too. And they have good raffles.
And the Shriners are amazing. And the beer is pretty cheap.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Sara G.
Somerville, MA
10/13/2009
Oh mah lawd. Amazing. I went to a double header with friends in August 2009. Joyous Shriner men (wearing the fez) took our tickets and were around taking pictures of the whole event. The crowd was a really diverse group of people - farmers, punk rockers, shriners- which was awesome. Immediately surrounding us were all die hard fans who go every month and follow it closely. Old ladies were explaining the rules of the game to their friends really loudly, which was adorable and super helpful because I'm new to the game.
Then the first bout (local teams) started and HOLY CRAP!! Roller derby is amazing!! The speed and bumping and not puking and not dying was amazing.
The next bout was between the Boston Derby Dames and the Detroit City Roller Girls. If the first local bout was your brain, the regional bout was your brain on drugs. It was faster, more aggressive, terrifying, and awe-inspiring. It truly reminded me of my inadequacy as a human being... in the most charming and fun way possible.
Also: In between bouts was this really awkward Hard Rock band called "Murder Capital of the World" that reminded me of WBCN circa 1998. So five stars duh. -
Review from Maria M.
Cambridge, MA
1/8/2008
Girl power....yeahhhhh!
I first heard about the Derby Dames when a promo card was left on my windshield while dining in Burlington. As with sweater coats and crazy gas prices, I was surprised to see a relic of the 70s emerge in the new millenium. A few months later, I befriended one of the Dames and got myself to a couple of bouts. You should do the same!
Folks, this is old-school, keep-it-real entertainment, and proof that a sporting event needn't shoot tee shirts out of a silly gun to keep the masses fired up. For your $15 ticket, you get a three period bout, bands entertaining you between each period, and of course, the raw power, skill, and speed that's roller derby. Don't fret if you don't know jack about the rules for the sport - the Dames explain the rules before the bout and your trusty program will guide you along as well.
As much as I enjoy watching the bouts, I equally enjoy making the pilgrimage to the shrine that is Shriner's Auditorium. You can snack on a belly full of concessions that will leave you plenty of clams to pay your giant Comcast bill. Plus, they sell beer. Yay! And a party in the auditorium's rockin' Fez Room follows each bout.
So, be shippin' up to Wilmington to watch your Derby Dames! -
Review from John F.
Somerville, MA
1/28/2008
I had no idea what I was getting into with the Derby Dames. We thought it would be kind of a lark, almost like the Boston League of Women Wrestlers. How foolish we were! What an awesome evening. Great game, great crowd, and a beer line longer than I see at pro sporting events.
The actual bout is really entertaining. If you've never seen roller derby I highly recommend trekking out and catching a game, you won't regret it. -
Review from Mike M.
Belmont, MA
7/18/2010
I went to my first bout back in February 10' & haven't missed one since. It's a fun & cheap night out with a great atmosphere. It's easy to tell that the girls go out there giving it their all & they have a great time doing it. Each month, I see both kids & adults of all ages get together to enjoy the night. At the beginning of each bout the rules of the derby are explained, so you feel very welcomed whether you're a new comer to the sport or you're a regular.
With teams like the Cosmonaughties, Wicked Pissahs, Nutcrackers, & the Boston Massacre, it's easy to become a fan. And at $15 why not give it a try? -
Review from Jeremy H.
Waltham, MA
12/16/2009
This is definitely an experience. The sport itself is pretty fun and amusing. I had never been to a real derby until early 2009. I went to check it out since I had memories of watching it on TV as a young child. I also went because my mother-in-law (yes she is that awesome) broke her wrist in tryouts for the 2009 season and we wanted to return to the scene of the crime.
The beer is cheap (for a sporting event), the cheap carni-food is awesome, there are bands at halftime, and the crowd watching is unparalleled!!
Besides, all of that the Dames had my whole family cheering them on in an honest and vested celebration as they kicked some serious roller-ass.
Yeah it is a bit of a drive, but damn is it worth it. There is no reason not to go. Break out of the winter doll drums and get the hell to the derby to break up the monotony of being indoors at the same places! -
Review from chungo m.
Brighton, MA
4/7/2007
these bitches know how to show us a good time!
The games are always entertaining, and who doesn't like to see chicks slaughter each other?Listed in: happy happy joy joy!
