John Patrick Pullen

Two opposing roller derby players collide
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The Rose City Rollers
Credit: © 2013 Steve Mancini, Masonite Burn Photography

Rose City Rollers Roller Derby

Don't miss Portland's world champion roller derby team.

1 min read Sellwood-Moreland

John Patrick Pullen

When did sports become about performance-enhancing drugs, player strikes, owner lockouts and everything other than the game? Don’t ask the Rose City Rollers; since 2004, they’ve been competing with old-fashioned gusto and intensity, all for the love of the game — the game of flat-track roller derby.

This all-female, all-volunteer-run league has battled its way to the top of Portland’s sports fandom in recent years, packing venues from the Memorial Coliseum, which accommodates thousands of fans, to the hangar at Oaks Amusement Park, where hundreds squeeze into an intense, intimate space to cheer on the passionate, padded gladiatrices.

Tickets are available online to see these fast, furious, stunning and bold hometown girls, with names (like “Juke Nukem,” “Scald Eagle” and “Pain Goodall”) as colorful as their hairstyles and body art. But to them, image is secondary — winning is everything. So pull up a seat along the track, and grab a beer or glass of wine from the concession stand, because this is how we roll in Portland.

Sports, Weird

Roller Derby Events

Catch the excitement of the derby at these upcoming Roller Derby Events.

Editor's Pick
Rose City Rollers
Nov. 3–Dec. 16, 2023

Rose City Rollers

Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink Cost Varies

The Rose City Rollers league is made up of over 400 smart, tough, accomplished women, girls and gender-expansive individuals who skate fast, hit hard, and defy stereotypes about athletes in women’s sports. The sport is exciting, the competition is fierce, and special attention is given to lighting, announcers, video, DJ, merchandise, entertainment, giveaways, raffles, fan…

Editor's Pick
Sports
Editor's Pick
Rose City Rollers Juniors
Nov. 19–Dec. 17, 2023

Rose City Rollers Juniors

Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink Cost Varies

Bring your family to watch Junior Roller Derby. Kids and teens will love watching these youth athletes battle it out on the track. Cheer on the Junior Rosebuds, ages 12-18, with home teams Bleeding Hearts, Death Scar Derby Droids, The Undead Avengers, and the Rainbow Bites. The Junior Rose Petals are ages 7-12, with home…

Editor's Pick
Sports
Junior Derby Doubleheader
Ongoing

Junior Derby Doubleheader

Oaks Amusement Park & Roller Skating Rink $10 – $15

Witness the future of roller derby. Whether you’re a die-hard derby fan or just curious to see the up-and-coming talent of these amazing juniors, this doubleheader is fun for the whole family. Spend an afternoon and experience the thrill of both games, or catch the headlining teen game featuring Rose City Junior All-Stars.

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