Greensboro Roller Derby is kicking off its 2020 season with a completely free event – its first-ever “Fan Fest.”
The organizers say that they’re making it free to give back to the fans. Attendees will have a chance to meet the roller derby stars and get information about joining the league as a skater, referee or volunteer.
It will all take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 at Skate South at 208 W. Fairfield Road in High Point. In that match, the 2019 season champions, the Mad Dollies, will take on the Battleground Betties.
In a press release this week, the president of Greensboro Roller Derby, who goes by “Pickles,” gave the reason the league is kicking off the 2020 season in this fashion.
“I think that it’s a good way to start the season, by reminding our fans that it’s more fun when there are people here watching,” Pickles said, adding, “Come see some free derby!”
The league is inviting anyone interested in roller derby to use this opportunity to learn how the sport is played and also as a chance for the league to clear up some misconceptions surrounding it.
“Moose,” a new player for the Mad Dollies, stated: “It’s not all fishnets and sparkle shorts. Roller derby is full-contact support played with some of the best people you’ll ever meet. I’ve been pushed to do things I never thought I’d be able to, and it’s a real confidence boost. The players are so supportive and the sport really plays up the fact that we all have our individual strengths. Watch us crash into each other on wheels and learn more about the sport.”
The press release states that the league is ready to teach even the most inexperienced skaters the skills they need to be a player, a ref or a volunteer.
Doors open to the public at 6 p.m. The interest meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the match starts at 7 p.m.
The charity backed by this bout is The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro— and all donations are welcome. Those unable to attend, but who are interested in what else the organization has coming up, can visit the website or follow the derby on Facebook, Instagram (@GreensboroRollerDerby) and Twitter (@gsorollerderby).
Also coming up soon, Greensboro Roller Derby will hold its its annual Skate-A-Thon. The proceeds of this years Skate-A-Thon will go toward the Skater Hardship Fund. The skaters will be skating as many laps as they can in two hours while collecting donations for those laps.
