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Discovery Park
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Neighborhood: Magnolia
Category: Parks
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Highland Ice Arena
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Category: Skating Rinks
Rat City Rollergirls
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Rat City Rollergirls
love love love!!!
I am now a Sockit Wench...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2008
Kick ass!
I love roller derby, and skate for Jet City, but it is always awsome to be able to go and… Read more »
Rob and I drove down to Kent tonight to see the Rat City Roller Girls, a first for both of us. We had free tickets for a client appreciation get-together, courtesy of my generous real estate agent. I was mesmerized with the speed, agility and teamwork from the beginning, but I tend to have a low attention span so I was ready to go after a little over an hour, and it's probably a good 4 hour long event. If you get an opportunity to witness a Rat City Roller Girls rumble, definitely check it out. I kind of wish I had seen it when it took place in Seattle.
The RCRGirls are without a doubt the badassiest ladies in town. No joke. Badasses on skates.
There are four teams in Seattle: The Derby Liberation Front, the Throttle Rockets, the Sockit Wenches, and Grave Danger. Each team has a unique costume, mascots, and loyal fan following that makes each bout a screaming frenzy as the girls roll around the track.
Five stars for the Rollergirls themselves, of course. And their names. The rest is just a review of the new event venue.
This season, all bouts are being held at the Key Arena. This makes for a less-gritty experience (floor seating on your bum, cheap beer and shots, port-o-potties in one of the hangers in Magnuson Park). Key Arena makes for a shiny, streamlined and slightly less dirty roller derby experience.
Pro: No chance (well, slim chance) of the bouts selling out, which was always a point of frustration if you couldn't get a ticket at the hangers.
Con: Ticketmaster sells the tickets. Buy them at the box office at Key Arena for $20 to save yourself $8 in fees- and do it BEFORE the day-of the bout, 'cause the price goes up to $28 anyway on the day of.
Pro: Jumbotron with replays of nasty spills and sweet maneuvers through the pack.
Con: Long long long lines for concessions, no cheap beer 'garden'. Apparently 4x as many people showed up for the first bout than were expected which completely overwhelmed Key Arena. Because the lines were SO long, they ran out of food and ended up letting people leave to get food and bring it back in. Thanks to Key Arena for bending the rules. No thanks for charging $7.50/beer.
Pro: Semi-comfortable seats means you don't have to spend 4 hours sitting on your bum on the floor or in the bleachers.
Con: Limited floor seating for season-ticket holders means you can't be as up-close and personal with the track and there is no chance of the rollergirls sprawling into your laps.
Pro: Pre-bout and post-bout happy hours hosted at the Funhouse- just across the street! Short commute.
Con: Hello, sponsorship plugs. One after another. I can't remember if last season there was so much mention of the sponsors, but holy moly, Gorditos Burritos, your business was mentioned several hundred times and I hope that translates into lots of traffic.
Now that there is such an increased capacity for attendance, you really have no reason not to go. Just be prepared to deal with the usual bullshit that comes with big venues!
I love roller derby! I have never been into sports, but a roller derby bout is one of the most fun ways to spend 4 hours that I know. It's intense, full of sweat, tears, and once-in-awhile blood. Derby has a reputation for being "lowbrow" (as someone below yelped), but I strongly disagree. These women are strong, fast, and real athletes. The game is fun, fast-paced, and really hard not to get into. Can't wait for the 2010 season.
FINALLY went to go and see a RCRG bout. Probably one of the best (if not the best) deals in sports.
I saw them in Kent and I have to say that venue is great for Roller Derby and is probably even better for Ice Hockey. Poor Key Arena, it's the wrecking ball for you, you are not a good venue for anything...
BTW - FREE PARKING at Showare Center.
Thanks for a great bout girls!!! Can't wait for next season.
I'm writing this as a review of my feelings on this upcoming season.
I loved when I went last year. All the PBR, being up close and dangerous, and the whole DIY feel to the whole thing. Such an awesome sport to watch.
This year we now have Key Arena and all the things that come with it. First and foremost: ticketmaster does the tickets now. We all know how that works out. See my review for ticketmaster if you for some reason haven't been bent over by them before. I'm doubting Key Arena will have cheap PBR, or the liquor that was present at Magnuson Park.
Maybe this review shouldn't even exist... but as of right now, getting motivated to get a Ticketmaster raping doesn't sound much fun.
Suggestion to Rat City Rollergirls: Use a better presale ticket service.
please never have a bout at WaMu (soon to be Chase) Theater again. That venue sucks.
I loved you at the hangars, with the chain link fence, and the port-o-potties lined along the wall. Because of you I pulled my quads out of storage.
But I don't know how I feel about this Key Arena move. I will miss getting a shot of jack and a PBR, that's for sure.
Rat City Rollergirls Rule!
I have such respect for these women. I wish I was out there with them. What could be more empowering then dressing in fishnets and a low cut top and kicking some serious ass! It's almost as good as ice hockey for me, and I really love hockey.
I've been meaning to see these women play for awhile. This was my birthday present to myself. I was more than happy to spend the money on beers and jager shots when I found out it supported the ladies. We showed up a little before bout time and were able to get great floor seats. I am all about the floor. You really feel like you are in the action. Bringing a low chair or seat cushion would be nice but not necessary. I only wish I had made it earlier to get front row floor.
The game is easy to follow once you watch for a bit and the fans are more than happy to help you learn. Speaking of the fans, they are wonderful. All ages, all walks of life. Eye candy on the rink and in the stands. Lots of ladies in beautiful dresses, hair colors not found in nature, even Slayer t-shirts!
D.L.F. was incredible. They really have an edge to them. I gotta say they might be my favorites of Seattle.
Now that I've gotten the taste for it, I can't wait to go to more games and would love to do a practice skate with them. Not sure if my land skating would be up for it but, at least I'll have my ice hockey checking skills ready to go! Who knows, maybe one day this Wanna-Be Valkyrie will be a rollergirl.
Fan-friggin-tastic! Finally went, fell in love, and am hooked. If only they sold season tickets! I'd be all over that shiz.
Didn't drink much due to a late onset hangover from a bachelorette party the night before; the two beers I did have were for their restorative and curative properties only. So I feel comfortable saying that it's an event that can even be enjoyed - gasp - sober! Don't know if I'd want to sit in the Child Cage area, though...
I'm going to get my skate on, join up, pick out a groovy name, and kick some ass. Well, maybe not, but it sure made me want to.
Yours Truly,
Pocket Rocket
How fun are the Rat City Rollergirls? Well, I will tell you they are tons of fun! Saw them at Key Arena over the weekend. Paid $20 for 4 hours of entertainment, 2 bouts between the 4 Seattle teams, and got to see the Rat City Brats, which are cute, young rollergirls in the making, but oh so fierce at the age of 8! Got to talk to some of the Throttle Rockets after their bout and they are quite nice and approachable when they are not in the rink. But you sure wouldn't catch me anywhere near them when they are getting ready for a jam! Was a great night!
So I had never been to a roller derby before and went to check it out when a friend invited me. Prior to going, she explained all the rules and stuff and I thought it sounded interesting. I'm always up to trying new things. So I learned something. I learned that roller derbies are not my thing. I got bored after awhile, these girls just go around in circles and try to bash into each other. While I admire their athleticism and true grit, it also just seems like low-brow entertainment.
And it's one thing if adult women want to get into fist-fights from time to time, that's their choice, but during the intermission there were little grade school roller derby girls who, while very cute and entertaining, got into a fist fight too at one point and the crowd cheered them on! As a grade school teacher I was horrified! Kids have to learn that they can't solve their problems by smashing people's faces in, yet in society they are taught that it is OK when it is for entertainment? I just can't support this view.
Sorry, I don't think this is appropriate for kids. If you're into roller derby, I'm sure you'll enjoy RCRG or any of the other teams, and if you've never been, you can try it out and see for yourself.
Look whats back....roller derby....hell yea...actually its been back for a few years now in the seattle area...
Went out to magnuson park to see some live kick ass action...the ladies are strong and fierce....cool set up out there with a beer garden, food and a dj .....
This night of roller derby is hot stuff...should not be missed...another one next month..though i hear the tickets go fast..so you better act fast
Go rat city!!!
I love learning new things and what I learned on March 22nd is that Rollergirls is in fact one word. The activity that they particpate in is a bonafide sport complete with the singing of the national anthem before, half-time show (3/22/08 bout had Brazilian dancers and drummers) and port-o-johns. I also learned that Rat City is for the most part a giant family (complete with old people, kids, babies, and mommies) and that being a fan with children is a good thing.
What I already knew was that these women are dedicated, strong, beautiful, and kick all kinds of ass. The child is now a convert and perhaps I can live out my Charlie's Angels roller derby (episode 12 season 1, titled Death on Wheels, 9/23/76) dreams through her.
I also have a friend on the Derby Liberation Front team (Cassassin .38) so cheering her on is not a problem. What's a problem is I'm cheering them ALL on. Very confusing.
Where was I on THIS one??? I finally went to see RCRG in Bout One, Season 4 and it was kick ASS. I immediately wanted to kick my own ass for having lived here so long and never having gone.
The girls and the whole spectacle (which includes mascots, halftime entertainment, and excellent people watching) is totally entertaining. The rollergirls are true, strong athletes, and very creative with their nicknames! Killer Beeyotch! Ida Slapter! Bruise Lee! Sister Piston! I just never get tired of trying to come up with what my own personal rollergirl name might be....
In addition to all that fun, there's a really reasonably priced bar which sells PBR tall boys, and Skillet's airstream represents in the parking lot, too.
At first I was a little surprised that there were some smaller kids in the under 21 section. Then I thought, screw that, what better role models could you ask for than talented, tough, and assertive women having fun and taking names!
These 'girls are selling out every bout! Talk about kicking ass.
"Here comes # 13 Red Headed Devil, aka: Miffy von Busty Tits; aka kick your teeth in...in her signature fire crotch red sparkle bloomers and fishnet stockings... OH Red administers an upper cut and gets penalized for tripping her poor opponent into the crowd!"
This is a magical hazy day dream from which I wake and think... nah, I like my teeth and bones where they are, and I don't want to ruin my dazzling good looks. Not to mention I can't skate worth a fucking lick, a toddler could take me out with a sneeze. Although I have been mistaken for a Rat City girl before, and my hometown team tried to get me to join...I'm actually a big ol sissy
Roller Derby is good times. If it's at Quest field, there's ample seating and some artic air conditioning. Beers are far too expensive there. On the flat track, you can sit on the floor next to the ring, and if you're lucky, you'll receive some sweat droplets or a roller skate to the face. I prefer something elevated so I can view all the action. These girls play rough, no TV wrestle mania fake here, so they take some nasty spills, knees to the head, shit talking and the occasional fight, all in the name of entertaining you, fine viewers.
I highly recommend it. Before you know it, you'll be screaming for blood gladiator style with every fall, push, trip and hit, and cheering for the speedy hero who weaves in and out of the herd like Mercury
*letter to ian*
for my dear mr. k....
you are a-ma-zing... aaaaa-maaaaa-ziiiing!!!
because of your ingenius idea i:
*got to see chicks kick some ass... we're talkin head smackin into the floor here people!!
*saw some seriously fancy skatin moves that made me just wanna go and buy me a fancy new pair of roller skates... don't worry folks you'll see me rollerskatin' around greenlake soon!!
*got to give my roomie a piggy-back ride... har har!! : D
*had the urge to go to the nearest lingerie store to invest in some sparkly gold panties and fishnet thigh highs... RAWR!!!!
*was brought to tears from laughing by a RIDICULOUSLY tall (like 7 feet tall) cross-dresser known as "Glamazonia"
*developed a new-found respect for flat track roller derby... these gals do this because they want to and sure take a beating out there... i highly respect that!!!
seriously make it out to one of these events... it's totally worth it.
go rollerskates!!!!! : )
This has got to be one of the best nights out in town for spectator sports.
First of all it's an amateur sport; people doing it for the love of the game in their spare time. Spare time being three practices a week, plus training, promotion, & fundraising (after they get done with the job that pays the mortgage). Secondly, these women, without repose are atheletes, currently ranked #1 in the nation in the sport of Women's Flat Track Derby Racing (http://www.wftda.com).
The game it self is kinda hard to explain with out a visual, but it ain't that Rollerball shite from the 70's. Fundamentally, it's a race. Two teams of 5 players each on a small, flat track, with one player from each team (jammer) trying to lap the entire pack to score points. While, the other 4 players (3 blockers & 1 pivot) on their team are trying to prevent the other teams jammer from getting through the pack.
Its grassroots & full of fun. It's loud. The sound tech needs some hearing aides. There are many personalities to entertain -the announcers (3 of 'em), each team has atleast one mascot (some have 3) to razz the crowd.
All of the players have spoof game names/numbers: 24/7 Pia Mess, 40oz Sake Bomb & 666 Selma Soul to name a few.
This season they arehaving matches in numerous locations: Key Arena, Magnuson Park: Hanger 27, & Qwest Event Center: WaMu Theater.
This is a family friendly event, but should you just be the mood to watch the girls race & drink some brews there is a cage for ya! So as not to scare the kiddies. Do -bring some EAR PLUGS, they are not always available at the event (events are held monthly -with some special events in between).
This is a fast growing sport with leagues all over the country & in our backyard (Everett, Bellingham & Olympia to name a few in the area). Most metroplisis, metropolii...BIG CITIES in the states have a league. Come out & support a WINNING Seattle sports team that is not made up of millionaires.
FIVE STARS! DUH!
I generally ignore all sports, but roller derby is another story entirely. You should go. You should go right now.
I have crushes on at least five of these girls...and I've only seen them once. Admittedly, it was the semi-finals, which meant tensions were high and the girls were going for blood. That's always a bit of a turn-on.
This sport has everything a Seattle girl could want: girls kicking ass (on the track and literally - there was a fist fight last night) while maintaining the balance of being their own cheerleaders and linebackers; screaming fans; cute t-shirts at the merch counter and lots of cool people cringing with you when your favorite girl goes down.
The roller girls also have everything a guy could want: chicks of all shapes and sizes, skating bent over in short skirts and fishnets; the "I come for a crash" racecar feeling; burgers and soda; team-supporting crap you can buy on the cheap; and an afterparty that will allow you to get each and every one of those bruised and bloody girls liquored up.
...and with all of that, there's absolutely no reason you for you not to buy tickets, is there?
I'm off to http://ratcityrollergi... to swoon s'more. Call me if you need me.
Sexy girls on wheels. Rough and rowdy derby action. How can you go wrong??
If you want to go to a bout, be sure and get your tickets early. Tickets have been selling out fast this season!
Also, for the Magnuson Hanger venue: getting there plenty early and bringing a cushion is a good idea (seating is first come first served, and can be hard on your back side sometimes).
I love these girls. I haven't been in a year, but i look forward to going this season. Although i am afraid of what the Key Arena and ticketmaster will do to the sport. The only true way to see these ladies is in the Hangar drinking cheap beers.
wow.
the rat city roller girls' season finals are august eighteenth, and hot damn do i wish i were going to be in seattle.
grave danger against the sockit wenches. you need to pick a team before the match, or else you will go insane from the decision at the event. you should buy tickets now, they will sell out.
i am super-sad that the derby liberation front is not going to be there, because you must agree that is the most fantastic concept for a derby team ever. but grave danger is going to kick it out. they just won their semifinal bout by so much, but they still made it edge-of-your-seat (or up on your feet) awesomesauce. i'll create an event for the finals, i think, because - guh. (event here: http://www.yelp.com/ev...)
don't believe me? watch this video: http://www.youtube.com...
They are HOT
All I can say is that one of the greatest moments of my life was having a roller girl fall in the laps of myself and a friend during the finals in 2006. These women kick ass! I wish I could be tough enough to roll in the derby... One day...
