Angel City Derby Girls

Roller Derby is some serious game and packed action worth checking out!
My husband and I came to see our very first game of roller derby at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium last Saturday evening (venue used for all Angel City Derby Girls home games). I knew nothing about roller derby and was grateful to read a little description of the rules in a program that was given to us when we arrived.
For basic rules: for each jam (two minute game for some serious action), two opposing teams are on the track at one time with 5 players per team. Four of the 5 players are known as the pack. In this pack, you have 3 blockers and one pivot The blockers block the opposing jammer (more on what a jammer is in a moment) from passing through the pack. The pivot stays in front of the pack and will dictate the pace.
The other remaining player of the 5 is known as the jammer. The jammer will try to get through the pack (the group of blockers and pivot). After the jammer legally passes through the pack, the jammer can start earning points there after. The jammer will earn points on their second pass through the pack of blockers. Jammers will earn points for each opposing player passed.
There are other rules, but this gives you the gist of game.
Each bout (or game) last 60 minutes, which is split into two 30 minute periods (with a quick break in between for both teams).
The rules itself is quite easy to understand and anyone can easily get into the spirit of competition.
Last Saturday was the last home game for the Angel City Derby Girls (they will now be traveling to other areas for the rest of the season).
We saw two games (bouts), one at 6:30 pm and another at 9 pm. The first game was the Rising Stars (Angel City Derby Girls have 6 teams) against the Temecula Wine Town. The second game was the Rocket Queens against San Diego Wildflowers. This second game was much more exciting just because the Rocket Queens are more experienced than the Rising Stars.
Now you may think that with this being an all female sport (males that participate are coaches and/​or referees) that this would be a boring and quiet sport. But don’t let that full you because this is a full contact sport and the ladies bring their A game and are pretty aggressive. Check out some of the player’s game names, that include Darby Dagger, Killin Sicillian, Sonic the Sledgehog, Knockturn Ally.
If I was ever to be a roller derby player, I think my name would probably be something awesome like Vixen Vic or Vixen V (both names just have a certain ring to it doesn’t it?).
Just a few other things to mention is that tickets for home games usually cost $ 15 for general seating (come early, as general seating is first come/​first served and with this venue, you want to sit up close). VIP seating usually cost $ 25 (1^st 3 rows are reserved for VIP).
Food is sold, along with beer and Angel City Derby Girl merchandise. I ended up purchasing a team shirt for $ 20 (support your local team!).
Also there is free WiFi provided by the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

Derby still cracks me up, Just Over a decade ago I was running and Buying for a Dank Ski, Snowboard, Bike and Skate shop in Manhattan. I was never a huge Blade fan but loved watching the Roller-​Skaters shred up central Park (SOOO FLuid). Since Rollerblades were declining in popularity and a friend of mine repped Riedel and we sold their Ice-​skates. I decided to bring in R Skates and damn did we do well with them, then the Derby girls started coming in about 8 – 10 years ago and we tried to help but their needs were to last minute… Low and Behold a Specific Derby shop opened in Queens! I love nothing more than inclusive sports and the woman and men were almost always the nicest of all our costumers all be it with wicked hair styles (reminded me of high school with all the color dye).
The point of this… Keep supporting these lady’s!!! I am stoked to have randomly moved to an area with a team and look forward to watching some intense Jams!

I contacted the Angel City Derby Girls because I was interested in photographing one of their games. They were extremely helpful and got me set up with the credentials I needed. The game itself was a lot of fun. The girls are extremely athletic and dedicated to the sport. It’s wonderful to see that kind of dedication. And it was very entertaining. I will definitely attend another game, both as a spectator and a photographer. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday night.

Oh yeah, these girls are cool! What a great thing it is to live in Los Angeles and get to see something like this. As a woman, it’s inspiring to see such strong, expressive women. If you’re any kind of sports fan, this would be a great way to go make some noise and let loose. All the seats are great, so don’t worry about not being able to see. Drink some beers, scream and shout, and cheer for some beautiful ladies!

I went and skated with Angel City Derby Girls at one of their trainings this evening. I was straight off the plane from New Zealand and everyone was super friendly and really nice; it was wonderful to have such a warm welcome from so many people. Thanks, ACDG!

If you want some excitement on a Saturday night, I promise that THESE LADIES WON’T LET YOU DOWN! It’s also a great thing to do with your kids if they have cabin fever and just plain bored with everything you suggest. Keep this as a little surprise in your pocket because it won’t disappoint!
There are usually two bouts – a «mini» bout to showcase their up & comers, which is pretty amazing to see! This shows how deep and competitive the spots are on any of the teams within the league! The announcers are very good, and you can actually hear them clearly articulate what’s happening on the track. The music is rockin’ and great to get you all pumped up!
The gym/​track has small town appeal with the power of BIG, REAL live, intense competition! The venue is pretty darn good because they have REAL seats instead of bleachers, which is always good for those with a tender backside. Food and drink is always delicious – especially since they got their liquor license. They also have very reasonable souvenirs if you fall in love with them and want to wear their colors!
The other cool thing about ACDG – they will pose with you and your kids for a photo op! They will thank you for coming! They love and appreciate their fans!
You can’t beat the price for this level of sports competition and entertainment at the same time! Too broke to see the Lakers, Clippers or Kings? Go see ACDG! It is worth every penny – and then some!

I had the privilege to see these girls play there last game last year, NOW I won’t miss a game! I had such a great time that I now plan to learn how to skate. and who knows maybe try out for the team someday! I can’t wait to see them again!

Great fun to watch and cheer. If it’s your first time expect an adjustment period during which you’re trying to figure out what the heck is happening but just go with it and enjoy the enthusiasm of the players, the announcer, and the fans.
Get there before the doors open and you can sit pretty close (but not the first five rows unless you pay extra).

So when I was a kid I used to rollerskate and dream of slow skating to Eat It with the boy of my dreams…
Now that I am older I still dream of skating so I joined this RollerDerby teams summer training session in 2009.
Here is why it rocked:
1. I got to skate and feel tough.
2. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
3. They have cool uniforms and rad names.
4. I got female buff in a sexy way.
The bouts are action packed and let me tell you roller derby is hard! Not only physically but mentally and these women put serious time and effort into it. So GO SEE IT. Cheer loudly and bring your spicy self out for a night of fun.

This was my first roller derby event and it kicked ass. I even had a rad time there without any beer! I esp. liked that the GA section was sit-​down and that I could see (no big heads in the way).
The crowd was super friendly — there were people from all over LA and I even saw some Sacramento fans who were cheering on their other team. There were kids and families having a blast.
The video at the beginning helped me get the gist of the game, but it wasn’t til the second 30 min half that I understood why there were so many refs and people hanging out in the middle. I need to focus on the main event and I was super distracted by the people writing on the whiteboard, refs following the jammers (2 girls racing) and pointing or making X with their hands (to say who was or wasn’t in the lead), the other refs calling fouls and the girls in the foul box.
YAY for a clean stadium and free parking. I think the other league off the 101 is more rowdy and intense — so I may have to check it out and compare. Still, the Angel City girls know how to show the crowd a good time.
PS — props to the girl that sang the National Anthem like a total divaaaa.

Oh boy oh boy, first time ever to a roller derby event, and I had no idea of what to expect because I am one of the few to not see «Whip It», or watch youtube videos of games, but I’m glad I didn’t cause it made the action so much better!
The fans are great, the athletes are great, and the action is AWESOME!
The only thing that knocks the star off; well two things, is the venue (the balcony seats cut off half of the court… and second the photographers ON the court and their darn flashes!
But other than that I have a button and sticker to support them, I will definitely make it to another event! So roller derby game, check! Next up is quad rugby or monster truck rampage!
If you’re going to another game let me know!
Enjoy!

I was a roller derby virgin so I had absolutely no idea what to expect (I haven’t even seen that movie with Ellen Page).
Needless to say, I came out to support a coworker who was on a team and I left wanting more. This is some prime entertainment people! About the same price as going to the movies (or even less!) but with no chance of being disappointed! Its was hilarious, and rough, and full of all sorts of surprises! Never a dull moment! From the names of the teams, the names of each of the girls, the OUTFITS! My bf had himself quite a blast (girls pushing each other! woo!) and ended up trying to think of his own personal «Derby Girl» name (don’t ask).
Seriously, I’m definitely going to more of these things (and perhaps with a little more experience I’ll finally be able to understand all the rules… they usually lose me when it comes to scoring points).
Bonus points for this being super close to home (because I’m lazy) AND having loads of parking!

These women are amazing. They are truly an inspiration. The bouts are fun, exciting, affordable, easy to get to and really a must see.
If you’ve never seen live flat-​track roller derby bout then this is the best league to introduce you to it. Angel City Derby Girls are hot and are incredible athletes. You’ll love the whole experience from the skaters names to the full contact hits.
Instead of another movie night out… support your local roller girls on the west-​side. Watch a bout and do NOT miss the after party!

Having been to banked derby bouts entirely thusfar, I was a little nervous at how fast the gameplay was going to be as my beloved derby is a wee bit different on the flat track.
I was well met with my experience and even broke in a derby n00b/​pretty boy from my past who also seemed to enjoy his very first experience with derby.
«Wow there’s so many people here. I didn’t know it was this big. There’s maybe a ¼ of these fans to watch us play dodgeball.»
Well its bad ass chicks on skates beating eachother off to get through a pack, so of course there’s a big turn out!
Yes and these girls bust their asses off to get on these teams. They even practice in South Central in a warehouse. Could you handle that?
When I moved back to the west side, I was really bummed that I wasn’t going to be super close to derby, but thankfully with their new venue, I foresee many more games in my future. And you should too! Parking was easy. It’s all ages. You sit in auditorium seats. And most of all, there’s rad people that both skate, volunteer, and attend these games.
So come out and join in the massacre. It’s ok if you’re new to the sport… the girls won’t fight. YOU… too hard.
And if you’re REALLY feeling like getting involved, they are looking for volunteers and skaters. If you volunteer, they will even teach you how to skate. How friggin rad is that?!

The new venue and the new team are better than ever!
Stadium seating! Easy Parking!
I love the Angels! Big hits, big spills, teeny shorts. The crowd goes nuts! Never a better sport! A++++++

Look, we all know that the Angel City Derby Girls put on a spectacular hard-​hitting 5 star sporting event that is fun for the *whole* family. Yeah, grown men and women hoot and holler, and squeal like giddy children each time a body goes flying into the air – and you know, the doe-​eyed kids do the same.
AND we all know that fundraisers and the the adult-​directed after parties should never be missed. I mean seriously – the impromptu karaōke-​style singing, makeshift striper pole antics, and coyote ugly-​style bar top/​pool table dancing = must see.
But wait, did I just say, ‘must see’? What I meant to say is that *you must participate.* Yes, that’s what I’m *really* hear to rate – ACDG’s volunteer opportunities and training program. What makes me qualified to rate such a thing? I’m glad you asked – I am a qualified rater because I’ve joined the ranks! Look, I needed an activity – something interesting, something out of the ordinary – something that would expand my real life social network 10 fold. So, what did I do? I became an ACDG volunteer. I loved working the events, getting into games for free and hanging out with the derby fans and players. The more time I spent with the derby girls the more I craved to join them on wheels. So, by the Summer of 2010, that’s exactly what I did!
As rough and tumble as the girls look – and quite frankly, are – they are also extremely inviting and empowering. I came to them a hot mess of fear and clumsiness and they welcomed me with open arms. Their on-​going Fresh Meat program taught me basic skating skills and the importance of having an extended family of awesome women. As an added bonus I also acquired firmer abs, arms, legs and buns! Thank you ACDG! It’s now Winter 2011, and I’m an actual derby girl. These marvelous, marvelous women taught/​teach me and countless others how to make derby dreams come true. For that I give 5 stars, and I encourage *YOU* to also take advantage of the many types of ACDG events and opportunities.

The new venue is *great*. Cushy theater-​style seats with a balcony area. Free parking all around the venue.
Girls in skates and skirts beating the hell out of each other in a REAL full-​contact sport with national rankings (
)! What can be better?
Buy tickets online early because they’re selling out their games!

Seriously… hot girls, tight shorts, violence and skates. Does it get any better then this? Me thinks not! ACDG are intense and beyond fun to watch. My first match I got to see someone get their nose smashed and watched the ref’s skate around and mop up the blood that stained the track. I love the show these girls put on.
Make sure to watch where you sit, It gets a little scary out there! I’m not a fan of a skate to the face so I have no problem parking myself a few rows back.

As a South Bay resident I gotta say it pains me to do this, but I give the Angel City Roller Derby just three stars.
The first time I went to the roller derby it was in Downtown and I LOVED it!
When I went to the Angel City drive in to watch The Princess Bride, I LOVED it!
It was my first time at the Toyota Center. Parking was fairly easy and getting in was much simpler than the prior Roller Derby I had gone to in Downtown where there was a huge line. What I noticed right off the bat was that the acoustics sucked! You couldn’t hear the announcers unless you were in the parking lot! Maybe since this match was on a flat surface and the course was much smaller I didn’t get as much out of it. I had a much better time when the track was on a high platform and had ramps and stuff. We had bleachers to sit on at the last bout in Downtown and I got so into it I was standing and yelling and cheering! At this bout, I only stayed until half time and felt I had wasted $ 15!
Maybe I’ll just stick to Derby events in Downtown?

AC/​DG is LA’s first flat-​track league, AND the first Southern California member of the national Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. While I love the city’s banked track league, there’s something about flat track that brings the audience closer to the heart of the event, probably because you’re on the same physical level as the track, duh. But by that one detail, you get the opportunity to meet a skater up close… in your lap, or accidentally kicking over your beer. There’s a safety zone outside of the track, but sit at the curves and there’s a good chance a skater will wipe out and slide into you. Good fun!
I could write an entire thesis on why I love roller derby and why it is so cool and good and awesome, but here are some reasons to support your local rollergirls: the skaters handle their own shit. These are their own leagues, and they have to do all their own fund raising, getting sponsors, publicity, etc. Derby is grassroots and all about women; this is a women’s sport where women are expected to be strong, tough, and yes, violent. Thing is, at the end of the bout, everyone’s hugging; competition is fierce, but the league sticks together. For those who don’t like sports, while the players are in every way athletes and derby is very much a legit sport (NOT SCRIPTED!), there’s still a lot of tongue-​in-​cheek flavor, from the players dressing up like vikings or the puns and monikers the skaters go by, the fishnets and the rock bands, the sarcastic announcers.
Anyway, I’ve been to bouts with leagues that don’t really have their shit together and their skaters are only mediocre. Happily, AC/​DG is NOT one of those leagues. They have a handful of skaters who have transferred in from other leagues, including out-​of-​state, and some of the skaters, to use the word a friend and I agreed upon the other day, are phenomenal. Previous competitors in other skating events (figure skating, stunt skating) now shoving out, zooming past, and snarling at opposing players, brandishing clever monikers as well as plastic weapons, and sweaty and bruised all for your entertainment. I’m so glad AC/​DG finally has a season schedule, and I’m excited to get to watch them start beating the crap out of other leagues.