Granite State Roller Derby’s travel team, the Legislashers, will take on the Upper Valley Vixens of Twin State Derby (White River Junction, Vt.), June 8 at the Everett Arena in Concord. The main event follows a home team showdown between GSRD’s Fighting Finches and Demolition Dames. This is the third bout of the season for Legislashers, and – if last year’s game is any indication – it will be a very exciting matchup.
The Legislashers’ bout begins at 6 p.m.; home teams face off at 5 p.m., and doors open at 4 p.m. Off track, fans can create posters, sign up for a hula hoop competition, “Chuck a Wheel” for great prizes, meet the skaters, and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Ticket prices in advance are $7.50 each or four for $25. Children under 5 are admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased from the league’s website at granitestaterollerderby.com, or at one of these local vendors: Spank Alley Skate and Board Shop (upstairs at 8 N. Main St.), Concord Headlines (216 S. Main St.) and Arnie’s Ice Cream (164 Loudon Road.). Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $10.
After the bout, fans are invited to join the skaters at True Brew Barista (3 Bicentennial Square) for an after party, where you can meet the teams and learn more about the resurgence of roller derby. 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. A roller derby bout is an entertaining and exciting event for the whole family.
Founded in 2010, Granite State Roller Derby is a registered New Hampshire nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local charitable organizations in our community. The crew at GSRD supports and raises money for other nonprofits in our community, including the Greater Concord YMCA and Families in Transition. The league’s travel team, the Legislashers, bouts regularly against local and regional teams and is a member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s Apprentice Program.
The league has experienced expansive growth over the past year, and launched two home teams as well as a new skater recruitment program that accepts women of all ages and skill levels to give roller derby a try. The next recruitment day for skaters is Sept. 24. The league also includes referees and non-skating officials. For more information about joining GSRD, email granitestaterollerderby@gmail.com.
The next and final home bout of the season following the June 8 event is July 20 vs. the Shoreline Derby Girls of Connecticut.
More information about women’s flat track roller derby is available at wftda.com.
