So what’s holding you back?

This could be you … but you’ll never know unless you try.

You’ve thought about joining roller derby. You’ve thought of going to a bootcamp or a tryout for the Burning River Roller Girls.

But you talked yourself out of it.

You’re not athletic enough, you say. Not strong enough. Fast enough. Young enough. Old enough. You don’t have the right look. You have kids. You’re a single mom. You’re in school. You’re not alt or edgy enough. You don’t like tattoos. You’re too skinny. You’re too big. You’re too short. Too tall. You live too far away. You have health problems. You work two jobs. You’re never going to be as good as so-and-so.

You’re scared.

We get it. But don’t let that stop you.

The Burning River Roller Girls is hosting it’s 4th boot camp Sunday, June 2, leading up to tryouts this summer. Click here for all the details.

Here’s what we require for you to participate:

1. Are you a woman 18 years of age or older?
2. Do you have the required gear or can you borrow it?
3. Do you have basic skating skills?
4. Do you have a passion to learn roller derby and work hard at it?

Yes? That’s all we need from you. Forget everything else. We have women in our league or know women who play derby elsewhere who are JUST LIKE YOU. If you have the drive to make this work, we can help you. We can put you in touch with women who understand your situation, and who can share how she has overcome those obstacles, too.

Of course derby isn’t for everyone. But our bootcamps are an excellent way to find out if this is a good fit for you and your lifestyle and an opportunity to start connecting with women who understand the challenges of balancing a life and doing something you love.

Can’t make it June 2? Still scared? Please get on our recruiting email list. Our Recruiting Director Soul Eater is a wealth of information about what to expect and how to prepare to be a derby player. Email her at recruiting@burningriverrollergirls.com.

Still not convinced? Come to our bout on Saturday night!  Get your tickets here!  See what it’s all about!

Hang Out with Burning River Roller Girls at Uncle Joe’s!

Want to hang out with and help out the Burning River Roller Girls?  Well, here’s your chance.

What: Burning River Roller Girls Fundraiser and hang out and food and beer and prizes!

Where: Uncle Joe’s Bar and Grill

6211 W. 130th Street, Parma Heights

When: Saturday, August 11 @ 6 p.m.

How much?  $20 will get you in the door and you will be able to eat delicious food and drinks.  All the delicious food that you want!  Did we mention drinks?  You’ll get free drinks too.  Wow!

We will also have raffle baskets and prizes!!!  What more could you ask for!  Come out and support your Cleveland Roller Derby!!!

Want to spend more time with BRRG skaters?  Don’t forget about our one night only screening of Derby Baby: A Story of Love, Addiction, and Rink Rash on August 16 at the Capitol Theatre!! 

Join BRRG for a night at the movies!

The Burning River Roller Girls is hosting a screening of Derby Baby: A Story of Love, Addiction and Rink Rash, a documentary about the rise of roller derby around the world.

The event will take place Thursday, Aug. 16 at the Capitol Theatre.

Our league is very excited to host this screening, but we’re even more excited to meet you! Your favorite skaters from BRRG will be on hand to meet fans and answer questions about roller derby. If you have any friends who want to know more about roller derby or who wonder what it’s all about, this is a great chance to show them!

The documentary explores  everything from the estimated 20,000 women playing the sport in the U.S. to last year’s first ever World Cup. Narrated by Juliette Lewis (Whip It), Derby Baby takes viewers on a quest to learn why women’s roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the world.

This event is one-night only, though, so make sure you save the date and buy your tickets now!

What: Screening of Derby Baby: A Story of Love, Addiction and Rink Rash
Where: Capitol Theatre, 1390 West 65th Street, Cleveland
When: Thursday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 children. Tickets and more information are available at clevelandcinemas.com.

Hellbombers reign supreme

Hellbombers raise their trophy high … and Cleveland is Amazing.

Howdy, roller derby fans! Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that our home team championships were earlier this month. While the Rolling Pin-Ups were able to overcome the reigning champs, the Hellbombers, earlier in the season, the girls in black and red were not about to hand over that Hazard Cup.

The Hellbombers won the championships 145-101.

Here are some other key scores and a recap of June 9 championships. But derby isn’t over yet for the season! Our HazMat Crew will be in Youngstown this Saturday, and both HazMat and All-Stars will be playing in Akron July 14. More details on those bouts tomorrow.

May 5 – Semifinals

Hellbombers 181, Hard Knockers 81
Rolling Pin-Ups 138, Cleveland Steamers 97

June 9 – Championships

Hard Knockers 185, Cleveland Steamers 84
Hellbombers 145, Rolling Pin-Ups 101

June 16
Burning River travel teams vs. Tri-City Roller Girls
BRRG’s Pyromaniacs vs. Glass City

Pyromaniacs 83, Glass City Rollers 19
Burning River All-Stars 125,  Tri-City Thunder 147
HazMat Crew 214, Tri-City Plan B 118

Premo Donna and the Killustrator round the track skate for skate.

The Hard Knockers and the Cleveland Steamers opened the night June 9, vying for third and fourth place among the Burning River home teams.

The first half was mostly dominated by the Hard Knockers, with the score hitting 31-8 by the 13th jam. But a 15-point jam by the Killustrator of the Steamers (the biggest score from either team for the half) evened the playing field a little, bring the score to a more attainable 31-23.

The first half ended with a score of Hard Knockers 55 to Cleveland Steamers 42, making it anyone’s game.

A swarm of Hard Knockers!

But the Hard Knockers really stepped up their game in the second half. Premo Donna slammed the Steamers with three double-digit jams in the first 9 jams, with 14, 19, and 19 points respectively, bringing the score 119-56. Scarlet GoDancin sealed the deal with a  25-point jam.

Final score 185-84, with the Hard Knockers scoring 130 of those points in the second half!

Lead change was the name of the game in the first half of the Rolling Pin-Ups vs. Hellbombers bout. A Hellbomber lead was snatched by Punkd Pixie’s 18 point jam, giving the Pin-Ups a 28-14 lead.

Eduskater took the lead back a few jams later with a 13-point jam. Punkd Pixie quickly responded with 13 points of her own, only to have the lead taken again by a 12-point jam from Marion Razorwound.

Hidden Ajennda puts a stop to Razorwound.

The Pin-Ups had 58 at the half against the Hellbombers 62.

The Hellbombers would maintain that lead throughout the second half. Several key jams solidified the lead for the Hellbombers, including a 20-point jam for Professor Booty (the skater formerly known as Your Royal Majesty formerly known as Professor Booty).

Final score Hellbombers 145 to Rolling Pin-Ups 101.

Congrats to the Hellbombers, and stay tuned for more travel team action coming your way this summer! For more play-by-play updates of past games and future events, check our live Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/burningriver.

Your last-minute guide to tonight’s bout!

Travel team bouts

Here’s everything you need to know for today’s bout!

Preshow Bout: Pyromaniacs vs. Glass City Rollers (Toledo)
Bout 1: Burning River All-Stars vs. Tri-City Thunder (Kitchener, Ontario)
Bout 2: Burning River HazMat Crew vs. Tri-City Plan B (Kitchener, Ontario)

Tickets can still be purchased in person at the Wolstein Center box office when you arrive.

Doors open at 5 p.m. / Home teams, 6 p.m.
Wolstein Center – Cleveland State University
2000 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio

Tickets:
General admission
Adult day-of: $17
Kids (12 and younger): $6
Special group (Student, Military, etc.): $10

VIP admission
Adult day-of: $20
VIP special group (Student, Military, etc.): $12

What does VIP mean? VIP gets you access to the sectioned off area on the floor with tables and chairs (see the action up-close without sitting on the floor)! It also gives you access to a private cash bar, so you never have to leave the action for refreshments. You as always can also sit wherever you want in the Wolstein Center, but you always have special access to this section.

I’m new to roller derby. What’s happening on the track? Great! Welcome! Look for our “Ask Me About Derby” representatives. Skaters will be walking around during the bouts with bright orange shirts. They are ready to answer any questions you might have about roller derby, from the basics to trickier strategic plays happening on the track.

What’s with this preshow bout? The Glass City Rollers will be matched up with BRRG’s Pyromaniacs, our farm team from which our other teams draft. The teams will play one 30-minute period before the travel teams face off, so show up a little early to cheer on the rising stars of the BRRG!

Parking is available in several parking areas and on streets near the Wolstein Center. The easiest access is a parking deck right next door. In the past, parking has cost about $6, but we have no control over this area, so there’s no guarantee that will be the price today. Just make sure you have cash on hand. In the past, the deck has closed at midnight. Make sure you check the times when you park.

Extras: Check out our BRRG Kids Club and our memorial table for Luna Lovewound in the concourse. Join us in the fan zone on the track after the last bout for skater autographs!

Also, the Wolstein Center does serve alcohol, including fancier drinks at the bar concession areas. Take our food and drink survey to let the Wolstein Center know what you would like to see more of at our bouts! Look for Katniss Evermean around the raffle table area. She’s also collecting survey information there.

AFTER PARTY: There will be an after party event at the Old Angle Tavern, 1848 West 25th St., Cleveland. Bring your ticket stub and come join the skaters as they celebrate!

This is Cleveland roller derby!

Our home team season is over, and normally, that’s it for fans of the Burning River Roller Girls until our charity bout in the fall.

But this year, the excitement is just beginning.

This Saturday, June 16, our travel teams will compete against the Tri-City Roller Girls from Kitchener, Ontario in a double-header event!

These aren’t exhibition games. This is the real deal.  Saturday’s bouts will count toward our regional cred and will posture us in the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) national rankings.

The HazMat Crew (B-team) and the Burning River All-Stars (A-team) are made up of the best skaters from our home teams. Imagine the Killustrator of the Cleveland Steamers skating on the same team as Hidden Ajennda of the Rolling Pin-Ups. Or Premo Donna of the Hard Knockers getting an assist from Morbid Cherub of the Hellbombers.

It’s a dream team for Cleveland roller derby fans, and it’s all going down this Saturday. Witness the best of the best of the Burning River Roller Girls as they compete in the first ever international roller derby bout at the Wolstein Center!

And if that wasn’t enough, show up early to watch our special guests, the Glass City Rollers of Toldeo face off against BRRG’s Pyromaniacs, the team from which our home teams draft skaters. You’ll want to keep an eye on these faces — they are the future of BRRG!

Tickets are $12 in advance, $17 at the door. Be there! Oh and don’t forget to wear your orange and blue!

CHAMPIONSHIPS! Your last-minute guide

Did you miss our semifinals May 5? Here’s a glimpse at what you missed:

Pyromaniacs vs. Sandusky

Hellbombers vs. Hard Knockers

Rolling Pin-Ups vs. Cleveland Steamers

If you missed out, don’t make the same mistake again! Here’s everything you need to know for today’s bout!

Preshow Bout: Cleveland Firestarters Junior Roller Derby
Bout 1: Hard Knockers vs. Cleveland Steamers
Bout 2: Hellbombers vs. Rolling Pin-Ups

Tickets can still be purchased in person at the Wolstein Center box office when you arrive.

Doors open at 5 p.m. / Home teams, 6 p.m.
Wolstein Center – Cleveland State University
2000 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio

Tickets:
General admission
Adult day-of: $17
Kids (12 and younger): $6
Special group (Student, Military, etc.): $10

VIP admission
Adult day-of: $20
VIP special group (Student, Military, etc.): $12

What does VIP mean? VIP gets you access to the sectioned off area on the floor with tables and chairs (see the action up-close without sitting on the floor)! It also gives you access to a private cash bar, so you never have to leave the action for refreshments. You as always can also sit wherever you want in the Wolstein Center, but you always have special access to this section.

I’m new to roller derby. What’s happening on the track? Great! Welcome! We have programs available for only $2 that include a break down of the basics of roller derby with rules and graphics. A great resource for newbies or those who want to refine their knowledge. Also look for our “Ask Me About Derby” representatives. Skaters will be walking around during the bouts with bright orange shirts. They are ready to answer any questions you might have about roller derby, from the basics to trickier strategic plays happening on the track.

Parking is available in several parking areas and on streets near the Wolstein Center. The easiest access is a parking deck right next door. In the past, parking has cost about $6, but we have no control over this area, so there’s no guarantee that will be the price today. Just make sure you have cash on hand. In the past, the deck has closed at midnight. Make sure you check the times when you park.

Extras: Check out our BRRG Kids Club and our memorial table for Luna Lovewound in the concourse. Also try your luck at today’s raffle, a basket filled with gobs of gift cards and goodies. Join us in the fan zone on the track after the last bout for skater autographs!

Also, the Wolstein Center does serve alcohol, including fancier drinks at the bar concession areas. Take our food and drink survey to let the Wolstein Center know what you would like to see more of at our bouts!

AFTER PARTY: There will be an after party event at the Harbor Inn, 1219 Main Avenue, Cleveland. Bring your ticket stub and come join the skaters as they celebrate!

Who will take home the Hazard Cup??? Find out tonight!

Cinco de Mayo with a Long Island chaser

Maul-ibu Barbie and Punkd Pixie race.

Fans, start warming up your vocal chords and get ready to cheer your brains out because this weekend is literally bursting at the seams with roller derby.

SEMIFINALS, MAY 5

First up will be one of the most exciting nights of the year for Cleveland roller derby as the league welcomes you to the semifinals for its home team exhibition games. Skaters will compete at the Cleveland State Wolstein Center May 5 with the Hellbombers vs. the Hard Knockers and the Rolling Pin-Ups vs. the Cleveland Steamers.

The Pin-Ups are in first place after an upset of the previously undefeated Hellbombers. But no one is safe in the semifinals. Winners of these bouts will determine who will have a shot at the highly sought Hazard Cup for the June 9 championship games!

Arrive early for a special match-up between our farm team, the Pyromaniacs, and our special guests, the Sandusky Roller Girls.

And don’t worry. While this event is family friendly, with a kids club and other activities, there’s also a bar for those who want to get their Cinco de Mayo fun started for the night. Ole!

Tickets
Adult advance: $12; Adult day-of: $17; Kids (12 and younger): $6; Special group (Student, Military): $10
Ask the box office about special VIP rates.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Wolstein Center box office, by phone at 1-877-468-4946 or online at www.burningriverrollergirls.com. Processing/convenience fees apply for online and phone orders.

Venue information
Doors open at 5 p.m. / Pre-show bout 5:15 p.m. / Main event 6 p.m.
Wolstein Center – Cleveland State University
2000 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio

ALL-STARS VS. LONG ISLAND, MAY 6

But don’t party too hard because Sunday morning it’s time to roll out of bed for a special match-up between the Burning River All-Stars and the Long Island Roller Rebels of New York at Pla-Mor Roller Rink in Euclid. The All-Stars team is made of the best of the best of the Burning River Roller Girls, and these skaters plan to prove it in this bout.

Concessions will be available at the Pla-Mor snack stand. Bring your own soft mats or plastic chairs for seating.

See you this weekend!

Tickets
General admission: $3 (cash only). Available at the door.
Free for season pass holders. Check your email for details.

Venue information
Doors open at 10 a.m. / Bout 10:20 a.m.
Pla-Mor Roller Rink
22466 Shore Center Drive
Cleveland, OH

Get into our April 21 bout FREE

To our friends, family and loyal fans, you’ve given us so much, and we’re so thankful for all you do for the Burning River Roller Girls.

But there’s another way we could really use your help.

We are looking for volunteers for our upcoming bout April 21. As a skater-owned, skater-run organization, volunteers truly make things happen. 

As a bonus, you will get into the bout for FREE, which will give you a sneak peek at some of the behind-the-scenes work involved in a bout. Plus you get to share in some delicious free Qdoba!

Worried about missing your favorite team play? West Nel Virus will work with your requests to make sure you can maximize your enjoyment of the bout. ANY time you can give to us would be greatly appreciated! You are welcome to bring a friend along to keep you company, so long as your friend is working alongside you 🙂

Please find below a brief list of the opportunities we have available. If you’re interested, please contact West Nel Virus as soon as possible for more details at westnelvirus@gmail.com .

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Raffle Ticket Sellers at table
• Program and Raffle Ticket Sellers in the stands
• VIP Greeting Table – Greet VIPs and media at Gate C and keep the VIP area secure

Can’t make it April 21? We’d love to have you help out another date this season: May 5, June 9, June 16 or July 21.

THANK YOU to everyone who has already volunteered. We truly could not do this without you!

Bouts both far and near April 14

Saturday, April 14 offers two different opportunities to support our travel teams as they take on competitors throughout the region.

First, the Burning River All-Stars will be hitting the road to Rochester. N.Y. in a match-up against Roc City Roller Derby. Throw on some orange and blue and plan a road trip to support our league!

Who: Burning River All-Stars vs. Roc City Roller Derby
When: Saturday, April 14. Doors open at 5 p.m.
B-Sides vs. Oz Roller Girls, 6 p.m.
All-Stars scheduled to play at 8 p.m.
Where: The Dome Arena, 2695 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, N.Y.
Tickets: Available online. Prices range from $5-$20.

Rochester too far away? Take a jaunt to our neighbors to the south and watch the Burning River HazMat Crew take on the Rubber City Roller Girls in Akron!

Who: Burning River HazMat Crew vs. Rubber City Rollergirls
When: Saturday April 14. Doors open at 5 p.m..
RCRG vs. Glass City Rollers, 6 p.m.
RCRG vs. Burning River HazMat Crew, 7:15 p.m.
Where: John S. Knight Center 77 E. Mill Street Akron, OH
Tickets: Available online. Prices range $5-$9.

See you Saturday. And don’t forget about our home team bouts April 21 at the Wolstein Center!