Roller Girls seek perfect attendance

May 14, 2008
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rollergirls2The Naptown Roller Girls expect their fourth straight sell-out May 17 in the 4,000-seat Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairground. That will make four for four in sell-outs this year, with just one home game remaining June 14. Not bad for a start-up team in a start-up league, The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

The rabid fan following has spurred talk of moving the team’s games—possibly even to Pepsi Coliseum—next season.

The Roller Girls’ success at a time when many women's professional sports leagues are having difficulty gaining a strong, consistent fan following is baffling to sports marketers.

The roller derby league is a remake of the roller derby fans loved three decades ago. While some women have stage names, the current league is lighter on theatrics and heavier on competition than its 1970s forerunner. 

Doors for this Saturday’s 7 p.m. game open at 6 p.m., and team officials expect all tickets to be gone by 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door—cash only.

The team’s Feb. 9 sell out drew almost 4,500 fans for a standing room only crowd. The crowd was so big, team officials had to cap ticket sales for subsequent games.

The locally based women’s roller derby team—also known as the Tornado Sirens—is also developing a strong following with sponsors, with 15 deals signed to date. Sponsors include Butler Toyota, Nuvo Newsweekly and Indy CD & Vinyl.

Ticket buyers are warned that game crowds can become exceptionally loud, and that children afraid of loud noises should stay home. Despite the loud atmosphere, team officials said the environment is family friendly. But the first two rows are not for the faint-of-heart. Players occasionally careen off the track and into the crowd.
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  • LouMay 14, 2008 9:57 AM
    Hey.
    This is Lou Harry, checking in from the IBJ A&E blog.
    After experiencing one Naptown Roller Girls game, I call myself a fan. The match was fun and competitive and the crowd passionate and diverse. My 6-year-old had a blast as well.
    Warning: It may take a period to figure out the rules, but that's part of the fun.
    It's not the Roller Derby I remember from the Kansas City Bomber days (Had to throw in a pop culture reference. It's what I do.) It's better.
    If I only I could find the time to get to another match.
    Go NRG.
    Lou
    P.S. Feel free to stop by http://ae.ibj.com/
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • MikeyMay 14, 2008 12:27 PM
    Personally, I'm a fan of the Roller Girls because I recognized so many of them from my Punk Rock Night days at the Melody Inn. I suspect it's that sort of familiarity that gives them such a loyal following. The squad is composed of an eclectic mix of local business women, art students, rockers and moms, so their niche is far-reaching. The fact that you could attend an event and possibly know someone on the team makes them a natural draw. It is truly an all-inclusive athletic event that draws fans from all walks of life.

    By the way, this is coming from someone who works at a law firm during the day but moonlights as a drummer in a punk rock band at night. :)
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • StanMay 14, 2008 12:48 PM
    I know a lot of family-oriented folks and corporate types love the Naptown Roller Girls. I think the price is right and the supply-demand ratio is turning out great for this team. It's important to note, the Roller Girls never sought out high-brow meetings with high level corporate types to promote their product like other pro franchises in this market. Grass roots all the way.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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