Roller derby history dates all the way back to 1922, but did you know that the first all women’s roller derby league started here in Austin? That’s right, after sexist male league members denied enrollment for women, the strong dedicated women of Austin started their own all female roller derby league here in town. In 2001 after official founding by She-EOs Anya Jack, April Herman, Heather Burdick and Nancy Lynn, the TXRD leauge exploded with popularity and grew so quickly that the city of Austin has become the prime backdrop for all female leagues around the country.
This fast pace game combines the “Keep Austin Weird” attitude along with a long dedication for fun and competition. With the increasing amount fans, the roller derby venue has grown to much more than just a skating ring. Events now include local bands from around Austin playing heart thumping, head bumping rock and roll that fits the environment perfectly. Along with local privately own restaurants selling delicious local delectables.
There are five main teams that compete against each other through out the season, these include, The Cherry Bombs, Hellcats, Holy Rollers, Putas Del Fuego, and Rhinestone Cowgirls. Each one with its own unique punk-rock attitudes and stylish themes such as, cholas with a taste for blood and tequila for the Putas Del Fuego and 50’s-style vixens who love their hotrods and switchblades for the Hellcats.
The crowd is filled with high spirited fans of all categories screaming at the top of their lungs supporting their teams. Its would not uncommon to find lawyers, soccer moms, bikers, and mohawks all encouraging the same teams side by side. The ecstatic energy radiates from the stands that it is impossible not get hooked the moment you walk in. I recommend this event to everyone, young, old, assuring that you will always feel welcomed and have a great time.
They host 1 to 2 evetns per months at the Thunderdome inside the Palmer Event Center and tickets range from $10-20 at txrd.com. Visit the website for schedule details.
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