This is the year that roller derby takes Buffalo by storm. This is Queen City Roller Girls’ ninth year rolling, and it will be the one that helps to put Buffalo on the map as a roller derby destination. Already the Roller Girls have announced the 2015 schedule, to be held at Buffalo RiverWorks (see here). According to the team’s management, “[the flat track is the] first of its kind purpose-built roller derby track, with expanded seating, parking, and concession offerings for our fans.”
I’ve talked to some of the organizers and the players, who have repeatedly told me that Buffalo’s new derby track will be the talk of many towns. Often times, players travel to other cities and play on tracks that were not exactly designed for roller derby, but they make do with what they have. Many of these home tracks are found nowhere near the respective cities, meaning that more often than not the players never get to explore the urban landscapes. Plus the bundled amenities are far from luxurious.
The RiverWorks track is going to be a derby venue unlike any other. Visiting teams will find themselves in a roller derby paradise, with bars and restaurants, and various other activities to participate in. They will be close to hotels and the Metro Rail. And one day they will most likely be able to stay right at the complex, when a hotel component is built at the site.
This is a new day for roller derby in Buffalo. It’s incredible to think that the season’s kick-off is so close. For all of you roller derby fans out there, here’s the schedule for the upcoming season, to be held at RiverWorks, 359 Ganson Street in Buffalo, NY.
Friday, February 06, 2015 – Suicidal Saucies vs Nickel City Knockouts
Friday, February 13, 2015 – Devil Dollies vs Alley Kats
Friday, February 27, 2015 – Alley Kats vs Nickel City Knockouts
Saturday, March 07, 2015 – Roc City Roc Stars vs Lake Effect Furies
Friday, March 13, 2015 – Suicidal Saucies vs Devil Dollies
Saturday, March 21, 2015 – DC Rollergirls vs Lake Effect Furies
Friday, March 27, 2015 – Nickel City Knockouts vs Devil Dollies
Friday, April 03, 2015 – Alley Kats vs Suicidal Saucies
Friday, April 10, 2015 – Alley Kats vs Devil Dollies
Saturday, April 18, 2015 – Steel Hurtin’ vs Lake Effect Furies
Friday, April 24, 2015 – Nickel City Knockouts vs Suicidal Saucies
Friday, May 01, 2015 – Nickel City Knockouts vs Alley Kats
Friday, May 08, 2015 – Devil Dollies vs Suicidal Saucies
Friday, May 22, 2015 – Devil Dollies vs Nickel City Knockouts
Friday, May 29, 2015 – Suicidal Saucies vs Alley Kats
Friday, June 12, 2015 – QCRG Playoffs Doubleheader
Friday, June 19, 2015 – QCRG Cup Championship
