You’ve decided to come to your first roller derby bout? Woooooo yeah! Careful: you might fall in love with our fast and feisty eight-wheeled sport and its community and suddenly find you are addicted to rocking along to bouts!
Feeling new? Unsure of what to expect? We’ve got you covered. Without giving away all of the exciting experience, here’s some info on what an Adelaide Roller Derby bout is all about:
How many people come to watch bouts?
Anywhere between 1,300 and 2,500 people. Crowds are usually larger as the season progresses, and our Grand Finale sells out early.
How do I get express entry to bouts?
Queues for entry start forming as early as two hours before a bout. Buying tickets before the bout gets you inside quicker than paying at the door, and we always let our VIP pass holders in first. Even if you arrive super dooper early – you will not be guaranteed express entry unless you have the right kind of ticket.
What type of ticket should I buy?
VIP ticket – VIP season passes are sold at the beginning of the year. One of these gets each loyal supporter a season jammed full of roller derby at a reduced rate. But the true perks of having a season pass are that you get VIP entry to EVERY BOUT. That’s right. First in the door every time. You can own that suicide line. Too late this year? Maybe think about it for 2014.
Pre-purchased tickets – Buy your tickets in advance for $10 each plus booking fee from Oztix at http://adrd.oztix.com.au, Live Clothing in Rundle Mall or Mr V Music at Sempahore. Tickets can be purchased up to the day before each bout. People with pre-purchased tickets are second to enter the pavilion, right after the people with VIP season passes. But… there are often over 500 people who have pre-purchased their tickets, too. So you will still want to get there at least an hour early if you want to be at the front of this queue.
Tickets on the door – If you are one of those spontaneous people who make last minute decisions then you will be happy to know there are usually tickets available on the door, at $15 per person. There is a catch, however: buying tickets at the door means you will be let into the venue LAST, after the VIPs and the pre-purchasers, regardless of when you arrived. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter sites in the lead-up to the event. We’ll let you know if it looks like the bout might sell out.
Do my kids need tickets?
Children under 5 are free. All other ages need a standard ticket.
When do doors open?
For Saturday bouts, the doors open at 6pm. For Sunday bouts, the doors open at 2pm. Once inside, you’ll have some time to get yourself a spot trackside and some snacks and drinks before the bout starts.
What time does the bout start?
Bouts start just under an hour after the doors open. A skate-out introducing the two teams is followed by a safety equipment check, after which the bout proper begins. Keep an ear on the commentators because they will let you know when things are about to start and explain what is happening in the game.
I heard something about a band…
Each bout has a different band or DJ playing in the lead up to the game and during half time, so be prepared for it to be LOUD, and feel free to dance trackside!
Where do I sit?
The Adelaide Showground pavilions are large open exhibition spaces and seating facilities are basic. There are limited numbers of tiered seating stands that can accommodate approximately 300 people.
Floor seating is provided close to the track. To be close to the action, you might want to bring along a cushion or rug as the floor is concrete and it gets a bit cold and hard. While the ‘suicide line’ at the very edge of the track is an exciting place to view the game, skaters are occasionally knocked into the crowd so we highly recommend people with young children sit a little further back to avoid the risk of injury.
You are welcome to bring deck chairs and other devices to sit on. Chairs are allowed in marked areas behind the floor seating, so everyone can see.
There is always plenty of standing room.
What do I bring?
Deck chairs, cushions or picnic rugs. Bring your friends and family, too!
Can I purchase official ADRD merchandise at the bout?
You can stock up on official ADRD league and individual team t-shirts as well as stubby holders, stickers, patches and badges. Cash sales only, but there are ATM facilities just outside the venue.
Are there any other stalls?
At each bout there is a different array of stalls, ranging from those selling roller derby skates and accessories, clothing, jewellery, books, arts and crafts. The mix of stalls changes each bout, and ADRD offers space to a variety of small local businesses and charitable organisations.
Raffle tickets… what’s that all about?
Keep an eye out for skaters selling raffle tickets before the bout and during half time. Tickets are a gold coin donation, and you can win an arm wrestle with the skater of your choice plus other goodies. More importantly, all 2013 raffle proceeds are donated to the Australian Refugee Associations’ ‘Be Strong, Be Safe’ program, a series of workshops relating to the safety and well-being of young people from refugee backgrounds.
More information on the program can be found here: www.australianrefugee.org/services/be-strong-be-safe
What should I wear?
Team colours, of course! People wear all kinds of colourful and crazy outfits to support their team, so don’t be afraid to go all out. As long as you are wearing clothes, have some fun with what you wear. The venue is heated but it can get chilly in winter months. Best to rug up a little.
Can I BYO?
No. No no no no no. You can’t bring any alcohol or glass bottles into the venue. But there’s a well-stocked bar if you would like a drink or two.
Can I purchase food at the bout?
Take-away and food van style eats are available at all bouts. Hot chips!
Where is the after party?
After parties are held at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George Street, Thebarton. Come along for a celebratory drink after the bout. But be sure to make plans beforehand so you don’t drink and drive.
Please be mindful of the fact that everyone working at the bout is a volunteer and a member of Adelaide Roller Derby. We are doing it all for the love of our community – that includes you!
We would also love it if you’d help us out by cleaning up your rubbish at the end of the bout. Thanks!
Otherwise…. get ready for some serious fun… and enjoy the ride!