The Golden Skate Warriors
Roller derby is making a fernet-like comeback!
The Bay Area Derby Girls, an all-women flat-track roller derby league, host their inaugural bout of the 2010 season pitting the Richmond Wrecking Belles vs Sac City Rollers. If you thought the Olympics short-track speedskating was riveting… like when the Koreans crashed into each other on the infamous final lap, just imagine intentional contact by the opposing team. Next Saturday, head over to the Craneway Pavilion—a spectacular venue with sweeping views of the bay. Order up a few “Blue Collar” drink specials: a shot of Makers and a microbrew for $5.
Roller derby is WWF on wheels… scratch that, I should say UFC on wheels since it is “full contact and not choreographed.” (Thank you Jane Hammer!) And less you think they’re all brawn, just read through a sampling of their sardonic pseudonyms like Elle Lecktrick, Maura Gressive, Tear E Hatchet, Psychoserapissed and Tramplesteelskin. Unlike coddled professional athletes, these amateurs play with real camaraderie and purpose. Low budget but not lowbrow, this indie sport provides unforgettable theater. Don’t know the rules? No problem! The fastest skater on each team attempts to navigate through flying elbows and hip checks scoring a point for each passed opponent.
For the few East Bay-phobes, there will be roller derby events at Fort Mason Pavilion in San Francisco starting in April.
Details:
The Bay Area Derby Girls
Saturday, March 6th; 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets $10 in advance or $12 at the door
Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA
You deserve a trip back in time, click on the Nugget! (video)
