Arizona, you have two fun filled weekends of derby love coming up. For this coming Saturday, you will have to make a difficult decision as two leagues are offering “can’t miss” games.
ARIZONA DERBY DAMES - SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010
Banked track roller derby returns to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum with two great bouts on the banks. The 2-0 (AZ #6) School Yard Scrappers take on the 1-0 (AZ #9) Bombshells. The Bombshells had been plagued since 2007 with losing games but their April debut against the Brutal Beauties may have sent a message that a banked track version of the Bombshells was a fresh start for this franchise. They gave a surprising 51 point blow to the pinks that night. The Scrappers on the other hand, a roster loaded to the hilt with established veterans have already proven that flat track scores are possible on the banked track. While the Bombshells had blown away the Beauties, who in March was annihilated by the Scrappers, it’s not enough yet to give me the confidence that the Bombshells are ready to take on a proven powerhouse team like the Scrappers. Perhaps the ‘Shells will prove me wrong here. SCRAPPERS BY 40-60. The other bout has the 1-0 (AZ: #8) Coffin Draggers taking on the 0-2 (AZ: #4) Brutal Beauties. As we have mentioned already, this year’s Beauties has many of the characteristics of the 2009 Tucson Furious Truckstop Waitresses, even down to the pink theme color. Many of my favorite skaters for whom I loved the Beauties for have either gone or went to other teams. Red Rocker has an uphill battle being 2 in the hole already only beating the Runaway Brides by a half a point of spread. The pinks can’t afford to go 0-3 here. The Draggers are well, the Draggers. In March, they had a blowout win against the Brides and took a bye last month. All 5 teams are getting fresh meat skaters from a recent skills test that took place. The Beauties really need them. I still think though that the aggressiveness of Dolly, Ginger and the Good Doctor will leave Rocker resorting to humping. DRAGGERS BY 25-45.
IF YOU GO: Saturday, March 15. Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Doors will open at 5PM with pre-bout dining available at the Arizona State Fair Bar and Grill. The bout will start at 7PM and there will be an afterparty following the game on-site at the Coliseum. To recognize Armed Forces Day, the league is offering a $5 discount on admissions to this with military or veteran ID. The Coliseum has a very large capacity so there will be plenty of seats for all. Come early to assure the best seats. With the banked track, I suggest the upper rows of VIP seats or the lower rows of the general admission seating.
ARIZONA ROLLER DERBY – SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010
Just up the road on 19th Avenue, Arizona Roller Derby is ending its 7th season with a Championship Bout between the 4-2 (AZ: #11) Brawlarinas and the 3-3 (AZ: #3) Bad News Beaters. Statistically, AZRD’s games have been exciting this year with quite a few low margin games. When these two teams met in the regular season, the Beaters took out the Bralwaz, 166-84. This was the hugest margin loss in any of the AZRD games this year. I see this game being a little more evenly matched based on the Brawlies performance at other games this season. But even with that, the Beaters are a more stable team where it comes to the roster. BEATERS BY 20-40. There is an undercard to this bout as a mixed team of skaters from Tucson Roller Derby will be traveling to take on Season 6 champions the Surly Gurlies. This demo bout will make for a fun time and get the crowd ready for the big Brawla-Beater-Bash.
IF YOU GO: Saturday, March 15, Castle Sports Club, 11420 N 19th Avenue. Doors open at 5:30. The TRD vs. Surlys bout will start at 6PM and the Championship Bout starts at 7:30PM.
Remember to watch our Twitter @derbydata for updates as we get them!
HELL CITY ROLLERGIRLS TRYOUTS – SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2010
If you are interested in exploring the inner-rollergirl in you, another tryout opportunity is coming up for Hell City Rollergirls, a new Phoenix based independent league. Come to the Castle Sports Club (11420 N 19th Avenue) on Sunday, May 16 at 5PM. They are looking for skaters of all skill levels with personality, commitment and a willingness to learn the sport. Remember to bring water and dress comfortably. Skate rental for $2 if you need them. Good luck!
On Saturday, May 22, the Desert Dolls Roller Derby will be bouting in Phoenix when the (AZ: U) Pretty H8 Machines take on the (AZ: 5) Cosmic Killas and in Tucson, TRD will host a round robin game featuring Northern Arizona Roller Derby. More about these games next week.
Please come out this weekend and support your local roller derby. Until then… skate hard, skate safe, derby love!
Recovered from MCRSP records, December 4, 2025.
