Baconnaise, a vibrator, a key chain, a bottle of coconut water and BaconSalt? Yep, the contents of my VIP ticket gift bag for the Gotham Girls Roller Derby! (see previous post)
Fun night watching the Manhattan Mayhem and the Brooklyn Bombshells battle it out! The Gotham Girls Roller Derby is New York City’s only all-female, skater-operated roller derby league. Who even knew a huge gymnasium was in the basement of Hunter College on 68th and Lexington? A quick walk across Central Park and I’m there!
A sold out event with a very eclectic crowd of hipsters, families, and really all types imaginable. The fans are enthusiastic and definitely into this sport with their homemade signs, face paint, and chants. Here’s a couple of gals that will give you an idea of the variety of fans:
And yes, I had to purchase that tshirt!
But not that tattoo!
Then there’s the Brooklyn Bombshells’ mascot who kept the crowd cheering, not that help was needed!
The Gotham Girls range from early 20s to late 40s with diverse occupations from teachers, lawyers, a pastry cook, a private investigator and more. They all have one passion and that’s love of derby. No salaries for these gals, as a 501c3 non-profit organization all proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales, in addition to sponsorships, are put right back into the league to keep it functioning in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
The Brooklyn Bombshells round the corner:
The Manhattan Mayhem get a coaching moment:
But most of the night was just a blur of Gotham Girls!
The season is coming to a close in November which still gives me a chance to take in one or two more games! A very fun night!
Actually, I knew about the Hunter gym. I used to do karate competitions there.
I’ve seen the roller gals on public access, it is pretty cool!