I ran across an event posting on Yelp.com for the Arch Rival Roller Girls at Chaifetz Arena. We didn't have any plans for the weekend and I thought hmmmm, my girls like to roller skate, my son would like the seeing people get knocked around, and I have no issue with watching grown women in heavy contact on roller skates, so why not!
I didn't really know what to expect, so I download a Stuff You Should Know pod-cast so I would understand the rules before I arrived.
We were their before the doors opened so we got great seats along the front row of (racing terms) the entry of turn 3. Myself, my wife, and 5 kids. (4 girls and 1 boy from 4 years old to 12)
Once the first bout started my daughters fell in love with Downtown Dallis. They absolutely loved her hair not to mention that she is a damn good jammer. I really liked Brickyard because of the smirk on here face every time she broke through the pack, and also May Require Stitches (championship match & my wife's favorite) on her blocking ability.
With this being our first time, it took a little bit to figure out exactly what some of the strategies were, but we really enjoyed ourselves and had a great time! My wife was really getting into it and loved how competitive it was. I honestly didn't have any idea that roller derby was actually going on, let alone to have this many teams based out of St. Louis. The these girls are tough, athletic and all around great to watch compete. This may have been our first roller derby, it will definitely not be our last. I have already bookmarked their website and WILL DEFINITELY go see them again.
I do have to say an extra thanks to Downtown Dallis for stopping and acknowledging our girls in the stand after her match. They yelled down to her and she took the time to stop and wave and say hi. Although it was like a direct injection of caffeine at that point, but it was great to see the look on their faces. read more