Can’t say I have much familiarity with roller derby beyond what popular culture has delivered over the last couple decades — not much, or maybe I haven’t been paying enough attention. It’s probably the latter. If the line-up to see Victoria’s Eves of Destruction vs. Riot Girls at the Eagle Ridge Community Centre in Langford tonight was any indication, roller derby, it seems, has a pretty respectable following.
Michelle and I, along with a couple of her co-workers, headed out to check out the roller derby match-up not really fully knowing what to expect. Well, I suppose that’s not exactly correct. I at least, was expecting some scantily-clad, flamboyance masquerading as sport; as seen on TV (or in the movies). The first surprise was the number of people waiting in line at the community centre to see the event (my very rough estimate: 500). Huh? Really? Yes, really. The crowd seemed to be mostly composed of everyday, average peeps, with a few standouts in terms of event appropriate attire (mullets, crimped hair, man cleavage, etc.). The line moved pretty quickly once the doors opened and while the arena food beckoned, we managed to avoid succumbing to its sweet stench. Not so much in the way of seating for the hour long event, but we, along with most of the crowd were ok with standing (shorter people might have different thoughts on this).
The roller derby action got started and was pretty good — my expectations of scantily-cladness and flamboyance were realized. It almost didn’t really matter what the rules of the game were to me, and in fact I still don’t really know how it works, even though I think we left with a roller derby for dummies cheat sheet. Did the rest of the crowd know what was going on? I don’t know, but they were pretty vocal, in a supportive way, when the Eves and the Riot Girls were battling for points.
So, as a newb in the roller derby spectating realm, I thought it was pretty cool. I don’t think I’ll be going to every derby, but I’d check it out again. If you’re looking for something different to do sometime, maybe you should check out one of these roller derby events yourself.
My indoor photo taking skills are still developing… sorry for the lack of action shots in the following collection.
Roller derby supporters waiting to get into the Eagle Ridge Community Centre in Langford for Eves of Destruction vs. Riot Girls.
More roller derby-ites waiting in line.
Almost a standing room only situation. Sitting was an option if you arrived early, or didn't care about seeing anything.
The officiating crew. Outfits much more impressive when standing up and rolling around.
holey smokes thats a big line up!