By Josh Cook
Are you cruisin for a bruisin? Or do you at least want to see a bruisin, or several?
If so then the Manslick Rollerdrome on Saturday night will be the place for you. That's when, and where, the Derby City Rollergirls - Louisville's women's flat track roller derby team - will take on NorthEast Ohio (NEO) at 7 p.m. in their final home game of the 2010 season. The match is being billed as "Cruisin for a Bruisin!"
For those of you who are unfamiliar with roller derby the Women's Flat Track Derby Association describes the sport thusly:
"Flat track roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport that requires speed, strategy and athleticism. The flat track version of the sport evolved in 2001, and has quickly grown to encompass more than 400 leagues worldwide. This is in large part due to the ease of setting up a flat track - it can be done on any flat surface that is suitable for skating, such as skating rinks, basketball courts, parking lots and even airplane hangars."
You can also get a good description here.
The Derby City Rollergirls, who are ranked No. 18 in the WFTDA's ratings, are comprised of players with such distinguished names as Alysassin, Carrie A. Glock, Jailbreak Jenny, Jimi Hit Trix, Kimmy Crippler, Lil Bo Teeps, Little Bunny FU FU, Murda Inc., Them Apples, Sirius Trouble and (this writer's personal favorite) Ruth BeatHer Ginsburg.
The team's website advises: "Rollergirls rated PG-13 for short skirts and strong language; parental guidance suggested. Our bouts are very loud, and our fans are very excited. If you have small children who do not tolerate noise - this may not be the best place for them."
And apparently it's not for the weak, or meek. Where else can you find a sport that features "suicide seating" for those 18 or older?
Tickets are $9 in advance (at Derby City Espresso, Comic Book World and Ear X-tacy) or $11 at the door. Groups of 10 or more can purchase discounted tickets for $7.
All seating is general admission and it is on a first come, first serve basis. The doors open at 6 p.m. There will be music by DJ Kim Sorise and food and drink available.
