Portland, OR – NBC Nightly News will be filming this Sunday’s special fundraising bout between the Rose City Rollers’ Rosebuds Allstar Travel Team and the Back Alley Brats from Billings, Montana, to showcase the life-changing impact of derby and highlight the Rose City Rollers’ ongoing efforts to find a new venue for the 2019 season. Fans can take in derby for as little as a $2 donation.
“Junior roller derby is more popular than I have ever seen it,” says Kim Stegeman (commonly known as Rocket Mean in roller derby circles), Rose City Rollers’ Executive Director. “We—like many other roller derby leagues around the country and world—desperately want to serve this demand by providing Portland’s youth with an athletic experience and community that accepts them and helps them grow regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or body type.”
“Unfortunately, despite this huge demand, we’re struggling to find a venue that can accommodate our growth because of how hot Portland’s real estate market is. We love the city’s vibrancy and absolutely get the city’s appeal; we just want to make sure the city’s youth have a place to grow too and continue doing our part to Keep Portland Weird in a really positive way.”
Sophie Arnold (#360) playing defense in a March, 2018, at Rose City Rollers’ longtime venue, The Hangar at Oaks Amusement Park.
Photography Credit: Regularman Photography
Rose City Rollers’ premier adult travel team, the Wheels of Justice, are two-time international champions and are currently ranked number two in the world. The Rosebuds Junior All-Stars travel team, which is captained by Sophie Arnold, are expecting to qualify for their first Junior Roller Derby Association Championship this summer.
Bout Details:
What: Rose City Rosebuds vs Montana’s Back Alley Brats
When: Sunday May 20th doors 12pm, game 12:30pm
Where: RCR’s hangar at Oaks Park 7805 SE Oaks Park Way
Cost: Tickets starting at $2 in advance or pay what you like at the door
Why #1: The bout will benefit Rose City Rollers’ scholarship program and its Rent n’ Roll derby gear lending library, making derby accessible to all
Why #2: NBC Nightly News will be filming at the bout, so you may get on national television
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About Rose City Rollers:
The Rose City Rollers serve women and girls who want to play the team sport of roller derby, connect with an inclusive community, and realize their power both on skates and off. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, formed in 2004, and a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. RCR currently serves more than 550 skaters ages 7-55+ and is supported by over 800 volunteers.
