Probably the best thing about living in the Twin Cities is the non-stop activity that can be found all over the city.  The influx of creative professionals and liberal openness to a plethora of music, art, food, beer, and sport creates daily opportunity to be cultured (or sub-cultured).

Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the vibrancy of the MN Roller Derby Scene.

A post-feminist revival of the sport has occurred in the last decade (it was originally created in 1935 in Chicago) featuring tattooed women in full contact.  You’ve probably been to a bout, as 100’s of leagues of sprung up all over the world.

Minnesota has TWO leagues: Minnesota Roller Girls and The North Star Roller Derby.  At the regular bouts, you find these hard-core derby girls throwing elbows, hip-checking like hockey players (Go Wild!) and racing for points.  These leagues go above-and-beyond to make the event interactive, by hosting bands and DJ’s, featuring local artists, and giving each-other nicknames.

If you haven’t been to a bout, ever or in a while, well, it’s a new year, and it’s time to start making good on your resolution to “be cooler, try new things, and support local.”

Upcoming Roller Derby Bouts

North Star Roller Derby: Craft Bruising

Saturday, Jan 6, 2018 @ Lee Rose Collesium (MN State Fair)

Live music from Radio Church, Craft beers from Bent Paddle, Sociable, and many more, and an afterparty at Can Can Wonderland.

North Star Roller Derby: Derby Championships

Saturday, March 31st, 2018 @ Lee Rose Collesium (MN State Fair)

Watch the top teams square off for the season’s championship title!

PRO TIPS FOR NSRD BOUTS:

• Parking at the Coliseum is FREE. Be sure to arrive early as the good spots (aka, close parking spots/it’s cold outside) fill up fast.
• Track side seating is the best view of NSRD action! You can sit track side with a General Admission ticket as long as it isn’t in the designated Beer Garden area.
• Brunch with North Star Roller Derby league members at Delicata bout morning from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Bout after party at Can Can Wonderland

How is Derby Played?

Watch this video from the North Star Roller Girls to be filled in on the basics. They’ve also got additional videos that talk about strategy and other tips that will make going to the bout even more fun.