Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

I've finally met the sport of my dreams. Hot chicks in roller skates body slamming, with rules I can understand. If only I knew about Roller Derby when I was 18. I would have been a menace. (I have a theory that if you can hokey pokey in roller skates, you can do anything in roller skates). For only $25 I rode the Party Bus from the Skylark to the venue and back with all the PBR I could drink. Even more than the free beer though, what really made the party bus was getting to hang out with Rollergirl and hostess for our bus for the evening, Pam Demonium #531.

For those just tuning into the coolness: Roller Derby consists of 2 teams of 5 ladies each (1 Jammer, 1 Pivot and 3 Blockers). The pivots and blockers skate around first and the jammer's job is to pass all the other players through tricky cool skating moves. The pivot is the brain of the operation. They are throwing elaborate butt signs like bees communicating on how to best help their jammer. And the blockers, you guessed it, they throw those booties into everybody's way. The lead jammer calls the end of the Jam. The bout is divided into two halves. It is quick with little down time and is completely fascinating.

Intense athleticism was on display. Those foxy ladies took some hard knocks. They wore fishnets and mouth guards. Does it get any cooler than that? I have a crush on each and every one of them. And, man, can they skate. That is a pretty tight little circuit and can not be easy on the gams.

The crowd was amazing. Since anyone 12 and under gets in free, there were several families there and you could tell everyone was having a good time. At first, I was a little surprised. A mean beer, cursing, violence and kids? And then I thought about all the kids I see at football and hockey games and was ashamed of myself because those sports are just as bad, if not much much worse. (I anticipated much more rough stuff at the game than I saw) If I was a little girl, I would find great role models in the Rollergirls and all the women of Roller Derby.

The half time show was the best I'd ever seen. Dogs catching Frisbees! It was fabulous. They were really good and everyone cheered. There were at least 5 different dogs that did their fancy tricks, but the last one was an obvious crowd favorite. He was smaller than the other dogs, obviously a different breed, and still learning the ropes. After catching the first Frisbee, he was so happy he went and sat back down. Everyone laughed!! He finished his routine without any other troubles, but his obvious exuberance was entertainment at its finest.

The venue itself is definitely a little chilly since it's obviously an ice rink most of the time, so be sure to dress warm. But with amenities like Anthony's Pizza, nachos, buckets of Coronas, PBR tallboys, rice crispy treats, and cupcakes - you could do a lot worse. The only downside is that there are only 2 stalls in the women's restroom (aka locker room) though so I'd get to the loo at an off peak time in the game. If a skater or ref comes in, she gets priority.

In addition to all the great food, there is also great Rollergirl paraphrenalia like buttons, stickers, t-shirts, hoodies, and in the back, booths for artisan shirts, jewelry and other groovy goodies. And with portions of everything that the Rollergirls make going to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters, its not hard to spend my money on tickets or their great gear.

The ONLY reason this is not a 5 star review is that I have nothing to compare it to, so I can't say it's the best ever. But, I am most certainly a fan.

OMG, I want to be a jammer! Minus the bruises, falls, and potential medical bills, is that possible?

I love Roller Derby, so fun and fast paced. A great group of woman battling it out on the track for the love of the game and the fun of it. Who wouldn't love that?

Grab a beer, grab a seat (floor if you're late) and scream your heart out and cheer for your favorite team, favorite girl, or a great hit. We certainly did and had a blast!

If you want to see the very best of roller derby in Colorado, this is the league to watch. Rocky Mountain Rollergirls are the 2010 flat track derby national champions, and are consistently highly-ranked nationally and widely respected. These women are very serious, hardworking athletes with a passion for their sport.

Roller derby is a full contact sport, just like football or rugby, so be prepared to see some hard-hitting action close up. The Fillmore Auditorium (originally built as a skating rink in the 30s) is a fantastic and intimate venue for seeing flat track derby, and the bouts are high-energy and lots of fun here. Try taking the party bus with some of the skaters- it covers your bout ticket, a ride to and from the bout, and all the free beer you want on the bus!

At first it was difficult to understand the game but with a little quick wikipedia research, I learned it takes skills, strategies and teamwork to get the points. Lots of bumping, pushing and shoving. It was very entertaining! The only thing I wish I had known was that you can bring your own drinks and food to enjoy while watching them battle for points.

This is the best roller derby on the planet. They are the 2010 national champions, and they all kick ass. Go see them play at the Fillmore-you will love it. Arrive early for a good seat.

Recently, I paid $250.00 for reserved seats for a surprise birthday party at a Rollergirl's venue. I had sent many emails back and forth to make sure everything would be handled appropriately and well as had numerous phone conversations with their PR person. I was told there would be decorations, a team member to be with them, etc.
There were 10 members in the party. Four of them were there exactly on time at 7 pm but nobody could direct them where to go. They ended up sitting in the wrong seats and at 7:20, apparently on of the Rollergirls took it upon themselves to give away their reserved seats and take down any decorations they had put up. It was a mess of an evening and it could not have gone worse. They offered us comped tickets to another bout...no thanks. Worst birthday party ever.

The roller derby was great fun. I was impressed to see those tough girls out there falling and smashing their way around. I was disappointed to see so many kids influenced by this, but that is the parents' fault. I will review the venue in another post...

Rocky Mountain Rollergirls are top-notch competitors in the national roller derby scene and won first place in the 2010 Women's Flat Track Derby Association's National Championship. These ladies have passion and put in countless hours training. Behind the fun derby names, you'll find some tough, hardworking and athletic women. I feel lucky to have this league in Denver, we see the best at every home game! If you haven't checked out the fastest-growing full contact sport in the country you better get on it! It's so much fun! After watching my first bout (game) I became hooked!