LA Derby Dolls
Category: Amateur Sports Teams [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Westlake, Silver Lake1910 W Temple Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90026
- Hours:
Sat 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: No
46 Reviews for LA Derby Dolls
LA Derby Dolls ROCKS and Rolls. It's a great crowd and the ladies really go at it. It's pure fun. Dress comfortably, it gets warm.
Still around, still better than dragging folks to a club when they show.
it is what it is.
The loving elbows of the females who raise us. smack.
tell somebody you like about derby dolls, good place to drag kids.
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A jolly good time to be had by all. Buy tickets early (don't wait till a few days before), cause they will sell out.
Don't waste money on the VIP tickets -- it translates to a bench seat and porta-potties inside, in contrast to general admission, which gets you standing room but something to lean on and porta-potties outside.
Oh, and the beer is canned.
LA Derby Dolls were exactly what we thought they were! following the gushingly enthusiastic reviews on Yelp. What that ill-constructed sentence means is that this is very easily one of the top entertainment choices in the entire Los Angeles metropolitan area.
At first I was kinda PO'ed that they DOUBLED ticket prices to $20 GA/$40 VIP for those that had gotten wind of this underground entertainment, trying to jump on the bandwagon, and willing to pay non-underground prices to do so (i.e. people exactly like me.) However, after being packed in with 1700 people in an "arena" that was louder than a Clippers game (and fans happier and drunker than Clipper Nation) I must say that I clearly got my money's worth.
If you like "random" like I like "random" you can't beat roller derby, with cans of beer for sale, Cookie Monster mascots, live bands, torn fishnets, a marriage proposal (yes), dj's, energy drinks, players numbered "7&7" and "160mg", actual city council members singing the national anthem and fans standing in black felt covered rafters. Basically the best thing ever. Only next time, I think I need to find a coupon or something.
HAVE I BEEN MISSING OUT OR WHAT! I'm a "newbie" to Roller Derby and my only complaint is that it took me this long to come to an event. I freaken loved it! Bunch of chicks slamming into eachother while I'm drinking beer and cheering for a team I barley know while hundreds of other people are busy being loud and obnoxious and kick ass music playing in the back round! YEAH this is my kinda place!
It doesn't take long to figure out the game so even a dope like myself can understand whats going on. SEE YOU AT THE NEXT GAME!
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So I actually had a comedically horrific roller skating accident when I was in college that resulted in five broken bones, two weeks in the hospital, a six hour surgery, and the inability to walk (even on crutches) for several months. I vowed never to put on roller skates again and have stuck with the vow to this day. And yet...
I can't stay away from the Derby Dolls. It is maybe my favorite thing of all time to do in LA. I've even converted people who would never have gone if I had not dragged them. I fantasize about my parallel-world life as a Derby Doll.A tough cookie preferably because damn that uniform is cute.
And yes, after about six matches I finally came up with my own Derby Doll name. And I'm not telling you because it is just too great to get out and I need it there...you know, in case I ever decide to put roller skates on again.
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100 STARS IF I COULD GIVE EM!!!!!****
I heart the derby dolls!
Going to see the LA Derby Dolls is my new favorite night out! It brings back childhood memories of watching roller derby on TV and combines it with a night out of punk rock with a groovy carnival atmosphere, people are a lot more friendly and talkative then they would be at an average rock club. I think everyone gets caught up in this friendly festival of fun and people talk to each other. My first time I had such fun I was afraid it was a fluke and would not be as cool the next time but I was wrong, the more I learned about how the sport works, the more fun I had.
Speaking to the glamorous and charming Jena-talia I learned a lot about the world of the derby dolls!
1) This is a labor of love on the part of the girls; they do this because they love it!
2) All the proceeds go to keep the show going, nobody is getting paid and nobody is getting rich, so if you heart the derby dolls buy their dumb stuff like raffle tickets and DONATE some $$$
3) Unlike the olden days of roller derby this is not scripted, it is real, real competition, real bruises and real angst!!!
4) Jena-talia tries to get the girls to go easy on each other but she says "some girls just want to rumble"
These are the highlights of a night of roller derby
. Roller derby chicks have cool alter egos like, Axels of evil, Crystal Death, Roxy Cotton, Ryder Hard and Kung Pow Tina (You would have to be dead not to develop a mini crush on your favorite skater)
. High-larious MCs keep the fun going with irreverent commentary of the match
. Awesome warehouse in seedy neighborhood and handmade track gives the whole thing a "of the people" feel
. The crowd becomes part of the show as folks get dolled up in their trashiest skull and fishnet garb.
. Hot dog on a stick (and health food) trucks bring the calories to keep you cheering for your favorite team
. A little friendly wager makes the whole thing even more fun
IMPORTANT!!! Buy tickets online @ http://derbydolls.com/... ahead of time, this is going to sell out every event, BRING ID AND CASH
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i've gone twice, it's pretty fun BUT
-starts way too early and is done before 10
-not enough rowdy, drunken people
-beer is $5 for a can of tecate and $7 for a pint of pilsner urquell
-the "afterparty" bars are always downtown and no one is sober enough to drive over there
-it's too bright, they need some spotlights just for the track
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I've been thinking about my roller derby name. I've narrowed it down to:
- M-80
- Firecracker
- Badger Claws
Yes, I've actually been thinking about this.
The boyfriend and I popped our roller derby cherries with the Fight Crew vs. Sirens match. (Special thanks to Kevin C for convincing us to go.) Getting there was chaos because we left late and we couldn't find parking. Once we were inside the venue, we could already feel the crowd's energy. The match was exciting, but I had as much fun people-watching. The derby attracts an eclectic assortment of people, and I like that. Some people get really into it, and that's awesome to watch.
VIP is the way to go if you're like me and you can't stand using a port-a-pottie. On the other hand, there's only 1 bathroom stall for the ladies. Tip: don't wait until halftime to use the bathroom. My friend showed up a bit late, and there wasn't enough room in the VIP bleachers. So we just stood in the GA crowd, and that was fine, too. GA is for you if you can't sit still in one spot and you want to wander around.
The vendor village was cool, and they get a bonus point for selling Girl Scout Cookies. I don't really wear jewelry, so I didn't find anything I wanted to buy. Their staff and security guards were all cool, and everyone is super-friendly. I wish all bartenders in LA could be that cool.
We're already looking forward to the next bout. Now we know a few things to make sure the night goes smoothly:
- Leave early and park in the City of Angels Medical Center across the street.
- Bring a jacket so we can save our seat on the bleachers.
- Buy tickets early because they're not kidding when they say tickets will sell out.
Edit 4/14/08: Our second Derby Doll outing was really fun and really hot. It was freaking hot in that warehouse, and all that body heat just accumulated. Drinking beer just raised my body temperature. Next time I'm leaving my sweater at home, and I'm saving my money for water.
Don't miss the Freshly Baked cookies - Strawberry White Chocolate is my new favorite cookie.
Edit 5/8/08: I just received a note that they fixed the fans in the ceiling and added industrial fans. It's good to know that they take care of derby-goers. I'm adding an extra star!
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So here I was, the last weekend in L.A. and my boy Kevin C. has me driving from the Eastside to Hollywood to check out these "Derby Dolls" Unlike Kev, I don't have a thing for Alpha females so I decided to show up around 8:00. Parking was a mother, but the medical center has free parking and was only a few blocks away.
Kev made sure that me and the boys got our tickets in advance online so we didnt have to deal with the shock that this event was sold out. After finding our parking we made our way around to the complex entrance to find what look like a post apocalyptic swap meet for the vegan and socially conscious.
Everywhere you looked you found groups of over the hill party girls and dirty uncles. It was like a after party for over the hill ravers. Security guards, made up of former (or possibly current) homeboys, were everywhere and before I entered the actual event I was patted down and searched.
We arrived late into the first quarter only to find that the bleachers were packed and standing room was filled to capacity. Even though I had VIP tickets, I opted to stand with my friends who were not as astute and procrastinated in purchasing their tickets.
Once inside you are bombarded by a blast of human generated heat and humidity. I found myself being mesmerized by tattoo covered bombshells and rock a billy pin up chicks. Unfortunate for me these lipstick beauties were rubbing up against their butchy girlfriends.
But once I figured out the rules of the game and was able to throw back a few ice cold beers, I found myself hooting and hollering for "Fight Crew" like I was at a SC Football game.
Fight Crew's Jammer "KO" was a hottie and what made her even more intense was the way she handed out punishment. It is definitely a group event and I highly recommend it to couples who are looking to do the "group" thing. I wouldn't recommend it as a first date or you might find your date leaving you for some hot chick.
I definitely recommend you follow Theresa W 's and these tips:
--Unless you are a Roller Derby fan forget about VIP and go with the general admission ticket. VIP tickets mean you get to sit in bleachers instead of stand all night;
-- Use the bathroom before you go or you will have to settle for porta-johns;
-- Get your tickets in advance and try to carpool or caravan as parking is limited; and
--Unless you want to take part in the carnival feeling swap meet, wait until 7:00 ish to show up and you will avoid the long security line.
So if you are looking for something for you and your friends to do where you can hang out and be yourself Derby Dolls is definitely the ticket.
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Hunter S. Thompson (RIP) would have had a field day covering a Saturday night spent at 1910 W. Temple. I gotta give props to Amy K. She's been promoting these gals for a cool minute, but it took me a few "I'll make it out to the next one"s to actually make it out to one. La ciudad's mixture of hipsters and rockabillies, Hollywood professionals and counter-culturalists... all congregated to witness 4 quarters of smash mouth, body-checking artistry in motion.
My first foray into this amalgamation of punk rock and grace was headlined by last evening's showdown between the Tough Cookies and defending champion Sirens. From the flashing speed of Mila Minute's scoring wizardry to the bone-crunching knockdowns of amazonian queen Krissy Krash, the action never wanes. The crowd roars in approval when the evening's hardest hit sends veteran Iron Maven flying like a tossed midget, over the rink's upper bank.
Heed the advice of your fellow Yelpers and purchase VIP tickets a few days in advance. The procrastinator becomes a standing observer, craning the neck with the rest of general admission. The Green truck provides a unique carnival food experience, offering all organic foods (while relying on vegetable oil for power and transportation). Bypass the veggie and chicken dogs- go straight for the grilled cheese. And don't skip the gourmet cookie stand... how the hell did they put the root beer into the cookie? The chocolate factory called... they're missing a Willy Wonka.
The LA Derby Dolls are gals cut from a different cloth altogether. Their bodies are built to withstand punishment savored only by select gladiators. Scrapbook photos share glorious tales of gashed hips and purple-bruised thighs. The Doll Factory is the arena where trophies are traded in for scars. The meek need not apply.
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One of the best, most fun ways to spend an evening in all of LA. Period.
There's so much more I want to say about chicks literally mowing each other down -- and looking indie-hot while doing the damage.
But you know? Just go. GO. Go to derbydolls.com early and get your tix early because they sell out way ahead.
Lots of fun, kind of a microfest-meets-sporting event vibe. Hot Dog on Stick Cherry Lemonade and I'm good.
More violent and rowdy than I even hoped... and I hoped for a lot of it.
The best night out I've had in a long time. The action was spectacular and the personalities from the refs to the players to the announcers to the fans were downright entertaining. Much props to the announcers, i usually find color commentary to be repetitive and annoying, they were quite the opposite.
Tips:
- doors open at 6 but unelss you want to wander around for two hours, you don't really need to show up until 7, 7:15 to find a good spot. the action really starts around 7:45.
- save your voice, you'll need it to scream "yaaaaa!!! fuck that bitch up!"
- learn the rules beforehand. the booklet will tell you everything
- it's a hot box, dress accordingly. they promised large fans next time, but ya never know.
- pay for VIP if you want to sit, settle for general if you're cool with standing and stomping your feet.
- don't bring your camera, very much not allowed
Edit: they've added fans to cool down the arena, rock on
I can't wait until the next Derby. This is absolutely a lot of fun. I suggest paying for VIP tickets - you can listen to music and shop but for the most part you're there for 4 hours, you might as well take a seat.
The parking was well posted and ample. It was $8, which isn't too bad considering its such a demand they could really jack it up there.
You definitely should check out the Derby Dolls if you're looking for something out of the ordinary to do on a Saturday night.
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If you have never experienced Roller Derby, let LA Derby Dolls pop your cherry. Once you get a taste of their rough stuff, you'll never look back.
I wasn't sure what to expect for my "first time". I got my VIP tickets on line and upon arrival, was fast-tracked to speedy processing -- away from the crowds. Within a minute or two we were inside and popping open cold beers.
The crowd was excited and it was contagious. I found some good bleacher seats and got to know the teams.
Boy howdy, these are some sexy gals! But I didn't let their flirtatious introduction hold sway. I needed to see some action, before I pledged my loyalty. And action is what I got...
Tough Cookies won me over with the fierce blocking moves of Venus De Maul'r. In the end, they crumbled the oppostion, due in part to the talents of Anne Hackaway and Gori Spelling. These two were demons on the Jams.
Gotta give credit to Fight Crew for living up to their name, tho' -- despite past injuries depleting their team. Things got pretty intense as the game wore on. These women aren't messing around -- but The Game Executioners keep it all "legal". ;)
Love the fact that beers are plentiful and mobile. You can get them and be seated again within a minute - so you don't miss a thing. And yes, the Dolls have their own Cheer/ Fearleaders, too.
So am i a fan?
You bet your sweet knee-pads, I am! I'll be back, Dolls. You'll recognize me by my T-shirt. Yep, I've given myself an honorary Derby Doll name: Ragina Dentata.
See you next month!
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Props to the gang. They've built this thing from a friends and family into a 1500 person sold out event. I hope they move into a bigger place before the movie comes out ;-)
This might be the most fun you'll have on a Saturday night. Don't miss the after party - it's always a blast!
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If I knew that heaven would be like watching the Derby Dolls, I would spend every one of my sundays at church, non-football season of course.
Derby Dolls, how I love thee, let me count the ways!
1.Great venue
2.Plenty of beer
3.VIP tix for easy and quick bathroom breaks and beer resupply
4.The sexiest women in the world on skates. going full on and giving everything they have
5.The skaters feeding off the crowd and giving me my moneys worth and more
6.Krissy Krash!!!
7.Alexis Arquette singing national anthem, classic
8.A close and hard fought battle
9.One of the funnest experiences of my life
10.Krissy Krash!!!
I went with a good group of friends which only enhanced the whole experience. I am a groupie and will be at every single derby for the rest of the year. The night did not stop there but it does get very fuzzy after that. I do know that The Derby Dolls are entertainment at its finest. To them I say go-go-go-go-go!!!!
Lest I not forget the Fearleaders! Rika raka firecracka shish boom ba bugs bunny bugs bunny rah rah rah!!!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE DERBY DOLLS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!
I will say though that the VIP section was too subdued. Many a time I was the only one in my section cheering, dancing and yelling. Its NO fault of the girls, but too the fans it F'n roller derby cheer and have a good time! Maybe its just me and my obnoxious sports behavior but let the girls know your there for them! They give it their all and so should you.
See you on the 16th!
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The Dolls will rock the living shit out of your world. This is a punk rock good time and you have never seen anything like it. An absolute must-do in LA that is growing into a major subcultural phenomenon.
Some tips:
--VIP tickets mean you get to sit in bleachers instead of stand all night; you get to use a normal bathroom instead of porta-johns; and you can stand in a much faster drink line than the one for the general public. IMO, well worth the extra expense.
--The last event sold out and lots of people were turned away at the door, so buy tickets online if you don't want this to happen to you.
--Get there early to avoid a MASSIVE security line, and also because there is a lot of very cool stuff going on pre-match including live music and a vendor village selling all manner of weird cool shit.
Nobody blends allure and athleticism, sexy and sporty like the Derby Dolls. Go and you will be hooked.
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Lots of fun! Very different. A great welcoming environment for everyone.
The management and security guards can be very rude. Just bring your ID and some cash and nothing else and you shouldn't have a hard time.
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We went to check out the L.A. Derby Dolls for the first time last night and had a great time!
Roller Derby is actually a sport, dude! check it out on YouTube (where we learned the basics/rules):
http://www.youtube.com...
http://www.youtube.com...
These chickadees are seriously tuff. It was a great time watching them speed around the rink and throw out some serious checks to their opposition. It looks hardcore!!
Pure fun and entertainment. The crowd is full of fun characters of all ages (above 21 that is). Great people watching!! There was a super tall bleach blonde woman in stilettos and some vinyl like minidress that looked painted on - she was escorting a little old woman that was dressed in normal raincoat and slacks and was about 90 YEARS OLD!! Pure fun dudes & dudettes.
Lots of PINK hair. I am definitely wearing some bright flourescent colored wig next time I go to this event. I felt so NORMAL. (ha ha, think about that one..)
Wear comfortable shoes, because you will be standing the entire night unless you are up for shelling out an extra 20 for "VIP" tix, which -translation- is "seat". The atmosphere is a really well transformed warehouse, complete with large rollerskate shaped disco ball above the rink and all the action. I was pretty impressed with the organization for this event. The venue holds 1300, and they sold out by the end of the night. When you think of Roller Derby, warehouse, beers, and hot dogs on a stick you might think, 'Hey, this could get ugly!" - (which I did think for a sec) but it was actually really well organized and fun, fun, fun.
There is a big area where there are vendors set up that have cool finds like a "1976 Pink Floyd" concert tee shirt that is sized for about a 6month baby!! AWESOME! And, some cool CDs that have lullaby versions of rolling stones (move over Baby Einstein!). Lots of gear so that you can let your inner punk out. ...clever/offensive and obnoxious tee shirts like "PETA... people that eat tasty animals". (a personal favorite)
The action is actually pretty fun, as the girls of the Roller Derby really do take a beating. My favorite of the night was Gori Spelling from the team Tough Cookies. Man, everytime she stepped up to JAM she made it look so easy and blew away the competition! And I LOVE her MOHAWK!!
Seriously, we had a lot of fun. It's always great to see strong women KICK ARSE!!!!
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NFL, NHL, NBA, UFC... wimps and whiners in comparison to the Derby Dolls. So much fun I became an instant fan. Anytime anywhere these girls are getting down I am there. I sat in gleeful shock as a couple girls tackled the ref "bitchy kitten" and gave him a beating for suspending a teammate. I think that's when I muttered to myself "I'm hooked" and then joined the crowed with a thunderous cheer of approval for total disregard of authority... sorry Bitchy Kitten. Underground warehouse like atmosphere and plentiful tall cans of Takata make for a entertaining evening every time.
Oh and I'm all about Kung Pao Tina. She is my new Fav ;)
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super f**kn awesome! Best $15 ever.
I was heading down to LA to hang out with some friends. Not really in the mood for just going to a bar, I checked out LA Yelp Events and found out this was going on.
Nice job Yelp Events!
I was very impressed with the set up, it looked professional and unsafe...great combination.
They had their own "fearleaders" i.e. cheerleaders decked out in Lip Service skank/club wear
But the sport...was super exciting. The two teams, Fight Crew and Sirens, played an awesome, action packed game. Now I have a full on crush on Mila Minute from the Sirens. The game is fast and action packed; there's hot chicks on skates, lots of violence and it is super competitive. Kinda bad, but there's a lot of excitement to see the skaters fall, crash, break the railing and fly out of the rink.
Anyone will have a great time. I didn't even drink because I was DD and it was still incredible. . I usually hate going to sporting events, but by the end, I'd chosen my favorites and had an amazing time.
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What a night! There were some serious injuries and a fun crowd. Honestly, I never got a hold of the strategy or anything, though everyone else seemed to follow the game pretty well; I guess I was happy enough with forest of gams going around in circles. The host, Blain Capatch was hilarous whenever I heard him, which was rare with the arena's spotty sound- Being able to hear the commentary would have been illuminating, maybe. ONE CON: While having to sign an injury waiver is cool in the abstract, waiting in a mob line while it's raining to sign it is a shitty privilege. This is balanced by the staff taking initiative and expediting groups through when they could. That sort of thing makes all the difference. It was well run, and the derby girls were serious about the game, unlike the camp roller derby shows I saw in San Francisco in the nineties.
I swiped a poster.
UPDATE:
I hear they're addressing the waiver process. What a well-run operation!
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Quite enjoyable! So fun, makes me want to learn how to roller skate.
I would of like more physical contact though.
Make sure you bring cash!
So I come back in time to save this Sarah Conner chick from a Terminator, and the stupid time machine places me outside the corner of frackin' Temple Street and Union. Of course I'm totally naked so I knock out this weird looking guy who was wearing eyeliner and a spiked bracelet, which leads me to believe that the %$#@ time machine put me in the wrong time. I thought I got sent to some post apocalyptic time frame like in those Mad Max films from like 40 years ago based on how everyone was dressed. There were a lot of skinny jeans, tattered clothes, and people wearing metal things. Instead of being sent back 43 years to 1984, I must have been sent back to like 2012.
So I took the eyeliner dude's clothes and followed the crowd of numerous post apocalyptic women (and men) to this place called "The Doll Factory", which can't be a coincidence because that was the codename of that Skynet Terminator factory that my unit destroyed last week (back in the year 2027). I try to sneak inside by telling the security guard that I was the stage builder, but then the guard throws me out, saying that the stage is built by "The Girls" themselves.
"Who are these 'Girls'?" I think to myself. It sounded ominous, so I punch the guard in the face and run inside. And then I see "The Girls". They were tough-looking without being manly, and there was an oddly unique beauty to them. And then I realized: They were some early model of Terminators. So I was gonna like blow up the place with some C4 that I had stored in my ass (time travel complications), but then I sat down in the VIP section and started to watch what looked a sport. It resembled that old Rollerball film that John Conner and I watched this one time, when we got high off of synthetic marijuana in the bomb bunkers (after we had returned from an attack on a Skynet factory where that ancient and weird "Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles" place used to be).
I became entranced by these Girls, who looked all post-apocalyptic with these wheels attached to their feet, moving quickly in circles around this rink, knocking each other around, and it actually became very exciting as these "Jammers" broke through the pack of other Girls/Dolls. The crowd went wild every time it happened, and I admit that I got sucked into the sport. I would have figured that the whole affair would have been some savage event like everything else that's post apocalyptic, but it was a much more refined, elegant "violence," if you even want to call it that. There were actual fans of the sport and team fanboys/girls.
The place even had post-apocalyptic beer and post-apocalyptic cookies and other vendors. I forgot about the C4 in my ass and sat there for over two hours, being sucked into the spectacle. I even forgot about Sarah what's-her-name, saving the stupid future blah blah blah stupid Skynet
Before I realized it the match was over, so I approached one of the Derby Dolls/Terminators to examine them, and that's when I realized they weren't Terminators, unless Terminators gather and hang out with families and boyfriends after a match and smile and talk to fans.
..............I wish Terminators really did that. I want a Terminator friend to do my laundry and hang out with and play Boggle.
So I walk out of the Factory and ask some dude what year it is, and he looks at me like I'm crazy, and I told him I'm not crazy I'm from the future and he tells me it's 2008. He walks away, shaking his head. Assface.
I still can't find Sarah whazherface, but I'm going to the next Derby Doll match like next week and I'm totally gonna buy one of those padded seats with a team logo on it. Get the VIP tickets. Also, I still can't get that C4 out.
- From the E-Journal of Kyle Reese, found in the year 2027
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Some of the best nights of my life!
I usually don't have a voice after a night with the dolls!
Super fun and great people watching!
Bring cash!
SOUNDS AWESOME. i got tickets for the event in february (16th i believe) this should be sweet!!
this isn't my final review as i have yet to go to this event. however, i'm sure it will be awesome. has anyone gone with just general tickets and vip tickets? i'm wondering which ones are "worth more" as far as gettin' the FULL experience. lemme know if you've ever been and what your experience was and what type of seat/ticket you had.
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There's something really All-American about a sport that is both kind of sexy and kind of kick-ass at the same time. The Derby Dolls get roller derby exactly right. For those who have never been to a bout, it's kind of like a cross between a Suicide Girls photo shoot and a prison brawl...on skates. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Go.
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I agree with everyone else.
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The LA Derby Dolls are back and even better! Their new home at 1910 W. Temple in LA is bigger and better than ever! The recent bout on 11/17 was off the hook! Hard-hitting all girl banked track roller derby at unbeliebable speeds...you've got to see it to believe it!
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86 degrees, bad beer, amazon women...
the perfect storm of entertainment. I walked away a changed man. Finally, a sport I can really get behind.
A total blast.
*Edit 12/11/07*
I am now happy to give the Derby Dolls 5 stars, not 3. Why?
The new venue at 1910 W. Temple is a million gazillion times better than the last location in the City of Industry. It's closer to me, and also things just seem quite a bit more organized. There's a designated amount of space between where the crowd stands and where the track is for safety reasons, but it's also nice because then no one is standing directly in front of me (I'm pretty short).
It is much easier to buy drinks, since there are now people walking around with a cooler and selling. Yes, the beer comes to you! And there are also people walking around and selling snacks, so if you start having a hankering for some beef jerky or chocolate chip cookies, you're in luck!
Things are still cash only, but whatever. I didn't see any $1 coins in sight!
And of course, these women are just as talented and entertaining as ever. I highly recommend seeing this, if you haven't already. So far I've brought quite a few friends with me to various bouts, and they've all become fans.
At the match on 12/8/07, one of the skaters accidentally broke part of the railing, but with the magic that is duct tape, it got fixed, ha ha!
I couldn't get one of the Fearleaders' cheers out of my head for about 2 days: "Hey Doll fans, we know you're drunk so clap your hands!" Genius.
*End edit 12/11/07*
I hate to give the Derby Dolls 3 stars, since I always enjoy watching the bouts, but . . .
I just attended their last event at the Industry Hills Expo Center, and I have a few complaints:
1. Please hire more people to serve drinks. This crowd (including myself) definitely loves the alcohol! I hate waiting in line for ages just because there are only 2 stands from which I can buy alcohol, and each stand has only 1 person working it. Or, if you're going to not hire additional people, at least have a separate line for those who are buying mixed drinks, because I don't feel like waiting behind 20 people who are buying crappy margaritas for $12, when all I want is a beer.
2. Your no-camera policy sucks, especially when you only enforce it sometimes. Why no cameras? If the flash is bothering people as they're skating around, then ask that flash not be used. But these events are awesome; of course people will want to take pictures!
3. Cash only. I hate that.
4. Please don't give me change in $1 coins. I didn't even realize those were still in circulation. I hate $1 coins. They remind me of the time my friends and I got a stripper for a friend who was getting married, and we sent someone out to get more singles because we ran out (shouldn't the stripper have had more singles? ugh). Unfortunately, that friend somehow ended up with - you guessed it - $1 coins!
So 5 stars for the excellent entertainment. Those girls are truly talented! But minus half a star for each of the issues I mentioned above.
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my birthday was just around the corner and i was looking for something interesting to do. i read a review for the derby dolls on yelp and thought it sounded like it would be good times.
it was so much fun!!! beers, friends, and watching tough ladies kickin ass on skates. my hubby even had the announcer wish me a happy bday over the speakers. unfortunately, i was in the restroom and missed it.
like other reviewers stated, VIP tickets were definitely worth the double charge. unless you enjoy standing all night and using porta-potties buy your tix early. some friends waited until the day before the event and were only able to buy general tix.
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The best night you can spend in LA... PERIOD!!
Honestly, I don't know where to start. It isn't just the chicks on the track that are in full (or less-than-full as the case may be) regalia, it's the whole event. The promoters are walking around in bustiers and ruffled panties, the person checking for VIP wristbands was a cute redhead with a bob cut in a latex police outfit (I wondered where her handcuffs were), and the Tecates were huge!!!
I lost my voice screaming "get those bitches!!" all night long. Only place where you can make exclamations like that and have a crowd slappin you 5's (except the Maury Povich studio audience on boot camp day).
"... We'd also like to thank our sponsor, Dewar's White Label. 'Dude what was I drinking last night?' 'Dude, you were drinking Dewar's White Label... you were pretty f*cked up!!'"
-- P.A. Announcer reading off Derby Doll's sponsors
If there was a such thing as season tickets, I'd buy them.
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While I already reviewed the Dolls' home 'cause I thought it made the most sense, since people started up reviews for the actual league, well then, I must review it as well, 'specially since (brag brag) it looks like I've been to far more bouts than the other reviewers (as well as have seen a variety of other leagues play, including in NYC and the Bay Area). Don't even ask me if the players wear Rollerblades. All quads. If you think 'blades are better, maybe this isn't the sport for you and personally, I think you're fucking lame.
LADD were the west coast's first revival league after the Lonestar Rollergirls (as featured on A&E, and who flew out to bout the Dolls last month) brought the sport back, and also became the second national league with a *BANKED TRACK* (the third is LADD's San Diego sister league, and there are less than half a dozen other banked leagues in the US).
Many of the current flat track leagues are new and don't have all the practice under their belts as the LADD, nor are they as organized. The LADD's events are well put-together, and while it's nice that there are bands and raffles and whatnot, I'd still gleefully attend without any of it. Roller derby is a rough sport, and the current inception is NOT scripted as some have accused. These women are athletes: they practice several times weekly, they play by strict rules that include penalties, ejections, and the need for numerous referees (including me!), there are official teams, required safety gear, and the skaters get serious injuries that not only take them out of play, but occasionally cause permanent damage; more than a few players have rods in their arms or legs.
The game is fast and furious, with plenty of skaters thrown to the ground and getting slammed into railings. Besides the sport aspect, there IS a camp aspect: the announcers are known for making jokes, part of the appeal is sex appeal (short skirts, fishnets), and it's required for skaters nationally to skate under a moniker (some of my favorites on the Dolls include Leia Mout, Myna Threat, Juana Beat'n, Amber Alert...). New players must train for quite some time before becoming official team members, and yes, you too can become a Doll, because they're always recruiting, as well as for refs and behind-the-scenes people (I did the door last bout and got to be the one to wristband John C. Reilly). If you'd rather stay a spectator, I STRONGLY encourage you to buy your tickets online pre-bout, as lately every bout has sold out in advance.
While I could go on about derby for quite a while longer, I suppose I should stop here, eh?
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Chicks, Skates, Beer, a waiver in case you get a skate to the face, bands, sometimes a little blood and TONS of fury!
This was SO much fun but I suggest trying to get a VIP ticket so you can have a seat where you can see the AWESOME action.
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WOW, this is an amazing show. It is so funny because as you walk into this mall it has this mellow aura. As you get closer and closer to the rink, you will start hearing the loud noises of bodies hitting hard surfaces, and women grunting and you start to get more and more excited.
These girls are tearing sh!t up. They are fast, they are strong, and they are rough. I don't know what I was expecting when I first came, but it was 10x more hardcore than anything I imagined.
It can get a little repetitive after a while, but once you start to figure out the rules it is incredibly entertaining. Id say check this out at least once if you are the type of person that likes to be adventurous. You might just find a new pastime.
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