Adelaide Roller Derby

Two teams of girls in trendy costumes, edgy tatts and heaps of attitude on roller skates trying to knock each other out.
There were commentators that gave a really funny commentary and male referees with witty names such as grumpire. The audience was a mix of families and die hard supporters. There was heaps of cheering and loads of the crowd went all out and were dressed up as much as the derby girls.
Aswell as the derby there were food trucks selling churros and one selling Argentinian food and there was also a bar.
There were some really cool stalls selling roller derby clothes and accessories (hot pants, fifties hair bows, grungy stockings) which were fun to look around.
Would recommend bring a camp chair or comfy cushion as you sit on the ground and bring something warm to wear as they really blast the air con.
Was such a fun event would definitley go back.

Girls on skates might sound like a nice stroll in the park on a Sunday afternoon but if you go along to the Roller Derby expecting a sedate little game between 2 teams of girls that play nice you might want to consider a ride on the Torrens Paddle Boats instead of coming here.
These girls mean business and are some of the most confident, strong and determined sportswomen I have seen in any competitive sport for a while.
I went along with a group of friends to my first bout 3 months ago and admittedly stood there for ½ hour having no idea what was going on. Luckily enough these bouts are so family friendly and community minded that the people next to us handed us the rule sheet and everything became much clearer and more fun to watch.
So my hot tip? Read this before you go…
The event is also not so typical in its food and drink offerings. They not only serve Adelaide Hills Cider but also have 2 great food vans (along with the traditional hot dog and pie stand). I was very impressed to see the mouth wateringly fresh churros and Buddha Buns stands at Derby. So you can go along not worrying you are going to have put on 10kgs after spending an evening there!
Everyone has to experience the Derby at least once in their life. Check their website for match details and make an afternoon of it!
Arguably, I’m not a ball sports kind of gal so maybe that’s why Derby Does It For Me? Or maybe it’s just the hot pants…

Epic idea.
My one and only experience with a bout night was a few months ago. The place was packed, it took a huge amount of time to get in, and then it was a nightmare to find a place to watch the spectacle from. But it was totally worth it. I’m not a massive AFL fan, and I can’t stand rugby, but this, this is something good. Chicks on rollerscates belting the shit out of each other. It’s like quidditch for grownups.
Taking a chair is a very good idea.

Girls in skates getting violent in sexy clothing, life doesn’t get much better than this! Adelaide’s Roller Derby is growing by the day and even though the derbies are only on occasionally, they’re never a let down.
I remember going to my first derby last year. I was meeting some friends there and as I walked into the show grounds area I was shocked to see it jam packed with people. People of all kinds; men, women, kids, the lot. One of my favourite surprises was that some people tend to dress up in retro gear for this event, and there’s even a best dressed competition. I noted that for next time, bring on the 50’s dress collection.
The derby itself is full on, I advise looking up the rules on the net before you go or going with a friend that knows what’s going on. They give you a little run through before they start, which is cute, but it’s a bit confusing. Once you know the rules you can really appreciate it and get into the match. Be prepared to cringe! These girls may look cute but they get their claws out on the rink and there’s stacks galore.
There’s a few stands which are mostly reserved, so I recommend bringing some cushions or seats to sit on because the ground is hard and the games are long. Don’t feel embarrassed about bringing them either, everyone does. There’s plenty of food, merchandise, and even some alcoholic beverages to really get you raring.
The roller derby is a great place for everyone, I guarantee you’ll end up yelling along with the crowd as the game gets going.

Popular team sports that centre around women in Australia are few and far between, and certainly the media doesn’t give them a whole bunch of attention. There’s netball, tennis, increasingly there is women’s football teams, and recently roller derby. Roller Derby is relatively new in South Australia — it was only formed in 2007 — but it has really taken off. There are four teams — Mile Die Club, Salty Dolls, Road Train Rollers and Wild Hearses.
Due to the increasing popularity of the sport, it has become a bit harder to get into the teams — but anyone who works hard enough can probably do it. It is a real social and physical commitment — Derby girls are tight crew. A friend of mine was lucky enough to make it through the trials this year, and is pretty excited about it all. We have all had a real good time trying to think of a Derby name for her. Every Derby girl has a special name — sort of like the way wrestlers have special characters. It is sort of performative in that sense — all the girls dress up in special costumes. The styles have a Americana, rockabilly feel to them. While sometimes I find the ‘pin-​up girl’ aspect of it a little strange, it’s exciting to watch the best players at work — they’re pretty powerful. The characters and the team spirit adds to the entertainment factor — it is a pretty fun and brutal sport to watch. Affordable too — fifteen bucks a head.

I get major groupie syndrome when I go to a Roller Derby bout. Adelaide Roller Derby is a non profit club that was founded in 2007 and has bouts at The Royal Showgrounds Saturday nights and Sunday avo’s. They compete both here and also nationally, and last year Adelaide hosted the Great Southern Slam, which had over 500 entrants from all over Australia and New Zealand.
Going to a bout is such a great night out. You grab some mates, line up for yonks if you’re on time, once inside grab some beer and a hot dog, get a good possie, and even if it’s your first time you’ll be cheering like crazy once it starts. The sexy costumes, the violence, the amusing commentary: it’s the sport for people who don’t like sport: It’s the blood and sex sport for winners.
Hot tip: don’t try to sneak in booze, they do bag checks. Hot tip two: if you don’t want to fight for a seat bring some deck chairs like the organised people. Mile Die Club; you are the best. I know it, you know it. Get in there and kick some cute lacy arse. Keep an eye on the website for bout dates!