Wheeling Into Detroit

Since the movie Whip It came out, it seems like roller derby is getting really popular. And Detroit is no exception. I finally got to see a Detroit Derby Girls bout yesterday on St. Patrick's Day....and it was awesome! I must admit I expected a bit more pushing and shoving, but it's definitely a pretty exciting sport to watch.
There is a lot to the game, though. They have 2 periods with jams during them, and the scorers are called jammers, it gets a little confusing. It helps to have someone there to explain it to you like I did. Although they do give you a sort of play-by-play of the rules as it happens. 

I think one of the best parts to roller derby are all the funny names. The teams last night, the Detroit Pistoffs and the Devils Night Dames, had some good ones. My favorites were 'Feta-Sleeze' and 'Cookie Rumble.' They get very creative with them and it's pretty funny hearing the announcer trying to say all the names.
The Detroit Derby Girls have 5 teams and all of their bouts are at the Masonic Temple, which is another pretty awesome thing. I'd never been there before and it is a pretty cool building! They do tend to sell out, so if you want to go, make sure you get your tickets, which are $15, before just in case.
If you're interested in becoming a derby girl, there are a couple things to do. There are boot camps to attend and you will have to take a skills and rules test. Recruitment is in June, so hurry up!
So, if you're looking for something different to do that is fun and exciting, you should definitely go watch the next Detroit Derby Girls bout on April 7 where the D-Funk Allstars will take on the Grand Prix Madonnas.

~B