WHAT TONIGHT AT CHAIFETZ MEANS FOR THE LEAGUE

“It’s a big deal for me for it’s the first time that the league has played at Chaifetz. It’s something that we’ve always dreamed about ever since we started playing.  We’ve been skating in a lot of different venues, especially on the road, and we’ve seen what works for different cities. We’ll have a venue that really allows people to experience derby the way that it should be experienced. People will be able to see well. It will do a lot for the city, as well as for our league.” South City Shiner - Jammer, Stunt Devils

“This is what we’ve inspired to do from the beginning so this is all about bring our dreams to fruition. This is going to be pretty amazing. I will be very nervous. I still get nervous coming to Queeny Park, so I’m going to be very nervous there.” The Educator – Jammer/Blocker, Smashinistas

“It’s going to be so many different things. It’s going to be culmination of a lot of dedication and hard work. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to be nervous up until game time.  But when the game happens, that’s going to be my time to have fun.” Black Market Baby – Jammer, M-80s

“It’s going to be pretty great. It’s going to be the first game in the city and that’s pretty monumental and I hope that we have a really great turnout.  I’m going to be pretty nervous. It’s such a big venue.” Party Foul – Co-Captain, Rebel Skate Alliance

“It’s going to be the night that the Stunt Devils win the 2012 local season championship but it’s also going to be the first time that the Arch Rival Roller Girls are going to have a bout in the city of St. Louis. That’s really exciting for all of us.” Biohazard Betty – Blocker, Stunt Devils

“Personally, Chaifez is a year and a half of blood, sweat, and tears coming together for one great night of really fun derby. It’s my first championship and I feel so honored to be playing with the Smashies and against RSA. Derby has given me a confidence and competitiveness that I never knew was in me and I want to thank my team and the other players that have spent time coaching me by playing my heart out.” Harsha Punishment – Blocker, Smashinistas

“Personally, it’s going to be pretty huge for me because I’ve been around ARRG for a long time and it’s going to be the biggest thing that they have ever put on. It’s going to be one of the biggest venues that I’ve ever skated on. I hope that we can pack it full. It’s going to be a show and I’m going to be very proud to skate there.” Rhino-Might – Blocker/Jammer, M-80s

“As a city resident, I think this is where ARRG should be playing. I am extremely excited to play in such a great venue during my rookie season. I appreciate all of the hard work that all of the women in ARRG, past and present, have done to make this night of derby possible.” The Oregon Betrayal – Blocker, Rebel Skate Alliance

“I’m going to be nervous. I’m going to be going out for my third local championship in hopefully what will be thousands of people. It’s a really amazing day for us from where we started and all the work that we’ve gone through all through the years. It feels that we are on the map as a real legitimate sport in St. Louis and I’m really excited to see how many people we can get out.” Mayor Francis Slayer – Pivot, Stunt Devils

“I am stoked and so proud to be a member of ARRG as we play at Chaifetz. We are taking risks, the public is becoming more aware of derby culture, and it’s going to be one heck of a fun night. People are getting excited about roller derby! Skating with the Smashies at Chaifetz will be unforgettable!” Downtown Dallis – Co-Captain, Smashinistas

“Playing at Chaifetz will definitely be a highlight of my derby career. I started playing on a team around March of 2010 and I like the fact that I’ve gotten to experience the growth of this league from one venue to the next. Playing derby in the city limits of St. Louis is what this league has been waiting for. This is ARRG history in the making and I get to be a part of it!  Tonight, there’s going to be a million different emotions rushing over me. I already know that I’m going to be proud of my team, no matter the outcome. And I’m sure the entire league will feel a sense of accomplishment after our first two successful bouts at Chaifetz.” Munchausen by Foxy – Jammer, M-80s

“I’m excited about playing at Chaifetz, but it will be more like a throwback to my days in Chicago since the Windy City Rollers play at the UIC Pavilion. I imagine I’ll feel a little more “at home” at Chaifetz than at Queeny…. really looking forward to it!” Beaster Bunny, Rebel Skate Alliance

“Tonight is going to mean so much to me because as I am not a part of the travel team this season, this will be my last local game of 2012. That’s huge. I’ve never had a season where I didn’t skate both locally and on the travel team.” Artemischief – Jammer, Stunt Devils

“Party! Before the whistle it’s all nerves, but after that and after your first hit, it’s game on.” May Require Stitches – Blocker/Jammer, M-80s

“I have personally never been to Chaifetz Arena, but from what I understand, this is a really big venue. I am really stoked to be playing in such a large and popular place. Also, the competitive vibe between the local teams is just amazing. Being at Chaifetz is another milestone I can mark down on my roller derby ‘to do’ list and ARRG is graciously guiding me down the right avenues for success.” Eveready – Jammer/Blocker, Rebel Skate Alliance

“It is absolutely amazing to realize that I will be playing at Chaifetz. If I had decided to take up roller derby any later than I had, I would not have this opportunity. It is awesome to see how much it means to the ARRG players who have been around for years, too. I feel like I’m part of history-in-the-making!” Brickyard – Jammer, Smashinistas

“When I moved to St. Louis at the end of 2010, my Dad and I were driving around and he saw Chaifetz and asked me what it was and who played there. I, of course, responded in my RotN way, ‘How would I know. I just moved here.’ When I was drafted (earlier this year), I called my Dad and said ‘You remember that big dome building and you asked me about who played there?’ Of course he did and I said, “Well I play there, that is who!”  - Dollyrot N – Blocker, Stunt Devils

“Playing at Chaifetz will be a monumental point in my life. I will be retiring after the end of the home season, so this will be my last game. It will represent how far the league, and myself as an individual, have come. Making such a huge upgrade in venue will also mean that nobody knows what the future holds… and the possibilities are endless. It will also be the first home game without Fojammi, and that will be bittersweet.” Punches Pile-Up – Blocker, Smashinistas

“Playing at Chaifetz is huge to me. It feels like we’re taking it to the next level by bouting at a next level venue. It’s really exciting to be playing our championship bout there. Hopefully, we can get our fans excited to watch us play there and generate more fans to continue to keep St. Louis derby growing. Who knows how big we can grow enthusiasm for the sport?” Toe Stop Believin’ – Blocker, Stunt Devils

“Tonight is huge for the non-skating officials. Not only is it the local season Championship but it will be the first time working in a venue the size of Chaifetz Arena for most of the NSOs. It’s an opportunity for the NSOs to show how well they do their jobs in a big-event setting. I’m excited about working
a bout there and hopefully there will be a great turn out for the Championship, which could possibly lead to more bouts being held at Chaifetz in the future.” Scott Oblivious – ARRG Head Non-Skating Official

“As one of the ‘original’ Arch Rival Roller Girls, the championship at the Chaifetz is ridiculously exciting. I remember when we were excited to fill that little roller rink in Columbia for our first ‘pink and black bout’. I remember thinking, ‘Whoa. people are actually paying to see us play our sport.’ As the league progressed and we started playing games at the All-American, and now at Queeny Park, I didn’t doubt that we could play at a venue like the Chaifetz. But now that the day is here it is pretty surreal. The Jeerleaders cannot wait to perform at the Chaifetz. We are so happy to have the opportunity and we hope to make the rest of the league proud with our performance. I have no doubt the crowd will be wowed by our Jeertastic moves.” Miss Lippy – Retired skater & ARRG Jeerleader

“Playing at Chaifetz. What an opportunity for this league! We FINALLY have a bout within city limits, and we FINALLY have a big, flashy venue to play in (even if just once). I’m a little jealous of other leagues that have nicer venues with more seating (and sometimes more fans). Okay, more than a little. I’ve wanted ARRG to fill a place like Chaifetz all season long. I think getting our skate in the door is a major first step. For me personally, I am just so excited about the championship bouts! It’s going to be really awesome to be skating on the sweet, sweet concrete floor of Chaifetz Arena in front of tons of our fans. I am just super excited that we are able to pull this off for ourselves and for our fans.” Ginny Beastley - Blocker, Rebel Skate Alliance

“Chaifetz is kind of my baby. I’ve been dealing with a lot of the behind scenes planning and have put a lot of effort into making this event work. When we were selling out the All American, I could not grasp why we couldn’t play at a venue like Chaifetz. I was convinced it could be done. So I made some phone calls and sent many emails, and with a lot of work by a lot of dedicated league members, it’s on our schedule.

Being able to hold our Championship bout at Chaifetz Arena is a great accomplishment for the league. It shows that the sport of roller derby is only continuing to grow in spectatorship and showmanship. And, it’s a testament to the longevity of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Most importantly, playing at Chaifetz, gives us the opportunity to finally play for the St. Louis community in a St. Louis City venue. Playing at Chaifetz feels like a homecoming of sorts.” Shimmy Hoffa – Co-captain, Smashinistas

Tickets for tonight’s championship are still available at the Chaifetz box office today from 10am – 2 pm. VIP FLOOR SEATING IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT. Bowl seating tickets are still available at $15 adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Box office re-opens at 6 pm tonight. At that time, tickets are $20 for bowl seating and $6 in bowl seating for children 10 and under.

For updates throughout the day, please go to ARRG’s Facebook Page.

A full recap of tonight’s bouts will be featured in this section of the website on Monday, April 30.

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30”: Derby action continues next weekend for the league. The ARRG All-Stars – ranked sixth in the WFTDA North Central – returns to Midwest Sport Hockey to battle a hard-charging Indiana squad that looks to make a push towards the top ten. Plus, the Saint Lunachix looks to keep its perfect record intact in the undercard. We’ll preview both bouts. On Sunday, we preview ARRG’s bouts on Saturday, May 5 against Bleeding Heartland.

ARRG’s “30n30” is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) REFEREES & NSOs (8) PRE-BOUT RITUALS (9) POST-BOUT RITUALS (10) GUERILLA UNCAGED – NO MINORS (11) ARRG VS. MEMPHIS PREVIEW (12) CHARITY (13) CHAIFETZ PUBLICITY (14) McWHEELY PHOTOGRAPHY (15) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY NAMES (16) ARRG ALL-STARS VS. MEMPHIS RECAP (17) JEERLEADERS (18) SKATING MOMS (19) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG PREVIEW (20) GUERILLA UNCAGED – DERBY INJURIES (21) CHAIFETZ ANTICIPATION (22) LUNACHIX VS. SIRG RECAP (23) REBEL SKATE ALLIANCE (24) THE SMASHINISTAS (25) THE-M-80s (26) THE STUNT DEVILS (27) CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

TRADITIONS RANGE FROM SLEEP TO DIET TO TUNES

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-Announcer – Photos by Bob Dunnell

There are certain things that we do on a daily basis that one would classify as “routine.”

Whether it’s the mandatory cup of java upon wake up, the way we “make our face” to prepare ourselves in public or the systematic spreading of peanut butter prior to jelly, there are particular patterns in life that operate like clockwork.

There might be some alterations from time to time, but for the most part, they are our rituals.

For each of the four local teams of the Arch Rival Roller Girls, numerous hours of practice are dedicated weekly to help them prepare for upcoming battles on the flat-track.

Prior to bout night, the Smashinistas bond at the supper table!

But for each skater personally, certain rituals are followed days, and sometimes minutes, prior to the start of a bout.

They span the categories of diet, rest, paperwork and fellowship. And for one skater, it even includes a particular type of hosiery worn.

Some of these traditions have cultivated over time and perpetually change just like we internally do.

“I used to have a lot of pre-bout rituals and now I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes that affect that,” says Smashinistas’ jammer The Educator.  “Now, I make sure that my rituals don’t veer off of my normal routine.”

“I’m a lot older than some of the people that skate, so as an athlete, I completely understand what I have to do the whole week before I have to skate on a Saturday night,” adds Stunt Devils’ jammer South City Shiner. “I gotta take care of myself a lot differently than someone who is ten years younger than I am because I don’t bounce back they way that they do.”

“Every year it changes and I am still trying to figure it out right now,” says M-80s’ co-captain Black Market Baby. “Just relaxing right now is the important thing.”

And the amount of rest a skater gets the week of a bout is on the high end of the list. Clinical studies often show that the athlete needs an average seven to nine hours of sleep nightly the week prior to an athletic contest.

And that’s not easy to do if you are an ARRG skater, considering that one has to balance derby with daily personal commitments such as job, education and family.

Sometimes, a skater just has to hit the pillow whenever they can.

Harsha Punishment (r): Sleep and hydration are important!

“The day of a bout, I sleep as late and as much as I can,” says Smashinistas’ blocker Harsha Punishment. “I always take a nap or at least lie down for 30 minutes before I get ready to leave. It’s a nice vacation from my head for a while.”

“I have to work the whole day when we’ve had games so I always have to make sure I get enough sleep,” says Rebel Skate Alliance co-captain Party Foul. “I usually try to sneak in a nap before I rush out for a game.”

“I like to get a lot of sleep the week before a bout,” adds Shiner. “I’m very conscious of what I eat and drink and how I sleep the whole week. ”

The Stunts' Mayor Francis Slayer: B-12s & Bananas are the norm!

Shiner’s personal philosophy of bout-week diet is echoed by others. What one digests – either solid or liquid – earlier in the week can make a difference in athletic performance.

“I try to drink as much water as I can,” says Harsha Punshiment. “But sometimes work gets the best of me and I forget that I need to hydrate, which is funny, because I’m in charge of (hydration) for the teams at the bouts. I bring all of the water and Gatorade for the skaters.”

“The week before the game, I’m usually very careful about what I drink,” adds Foul. “I really don’t drink any alcohol.”

“I would have done this differently three years ago, but I don’t really drink anything now,” concurs Artemischief.

When it comes to food, discerning palates are going to make selective choices.

“The night before, the Smashies always meet up and have a team dinner at either a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant,” says Punishment. “I like that type of food because it’s not as heavy as tacos, pizza or burgers, so I feel better the next day.”

And on game day, the menu gets even more selective.

“My wife takes me to Local Harvest Café for a big breakfast,” says M-80s’ blocker Rhino Might of the weekend tradition.

“I try to make sure to go into that game fresh so I try to eat well,” says Stunt Devils’ co-captain Mayor Francis Slayer. “I take my B-12 (vitamins) and eat my bananas.”

The tropical fruit is also consumed by a teammate.

Artemischief: Fights to the finish because she eats her spinach!

“On game days, I’m usually coming straight from work, so I grab a bunch of bananas,” says the Stunts’ Artemischief. “And I eat a bag of spinach on my way to Queeny Park.”

That may seem like an unusual combination. After all, one doesn’t recall Popeye sneaking in fruit while downing a can of the leafy greens.

“I’m a vegan and I normally don’t eat a lot of bread to begin with anyway,” she counters. “Among athletic people, I have kind of a weird diet.”

Upon further review, it’s not a weird diet at all, but it certainly is the polar opposite compared to another skater.

“I eat pasta at 12 pm and I eat a lot of candy,” says M-80s’ jammer/blocker May Require Stitches. “I need my sugar.”

Whether it’s vegan or ultra-carb, once all food stuffs are consumed, certain patterns of tradition continue as the day progresses.

“I relax as much as I can,” says Smashinistas co-captain Downtown Dallis. “And I call my mom for good luck.”

“I watch movies, clean my wheels, clean my bearings, don’t talk much, and go to the grocery store to grab all of the water stuff,” says Harsha Punishment.

“I double-check all the ‘things’ that I need to bring to the bout,” says Hi-Refinition, ARRG’s Head of Officiating. On the list includes skates, pads, a helmet, a referee’s uniform, bout paperwork, a jam clock, a battery for the penalty light board, referee video cameras and water bottles.

M-80s' Rhino Might: Hitting attack with socks of black.

And for one skater, the laundry list has to include one particular clothing item.

“I have to wear black socks,” says the M-80s’ Rhino Might. “It started when I wrestled in high school. I typically cannot compete without black socks.”

An ankle injury to the sophomore skater earlier in the season potentially snuffed the long-time streak.

“Luckily, my black ankle brace has taken the place of one black sock,” says Rhino. Problem solved and tradition intact.

The organizational aspects continue once league members reach the venue on bout night.

“A lot of my pre-bout ritual involves the business end of the league,” says Stunt Devils’ blocker Biohazard Betty, who serves on the league’s Board of Directors. “It’s how I focus. I make sure that all the bout production stuff is going well.  I want to make sure that all that gets done, so I don’t really have time to focus on my own individual game.”

But inevitably it does become time to focus. And for some that means listening to particular artists through earbuds during the warm-up skate.

“I have my i-Pod pumping with Lil’ Wayne, some Eminem and some Atmosphere,” says Rhino Might.

And at the top of the charts for the bruising blocker?

“Prodigy’s ‘Smack My B*tch Up,’” she says. “I know that doesn’t sound correct, but that song keeps my blood pumping all the time.”

The Educator: Pre-bout song has been longtime favorite.

However, the Smashies’ Educator possesses a playlist that could rival Rhino’s.

“I listen to a lot of Slayer before a game,” she says.

And the overall preferred pick?

“‘Raining Blood,’” she beams. “It’s my ‘go-to’ song. It keeps me going.”

Then minutes before the first whistle blows, it’s time for a moment of pre-bout reflection.

“I find (RSA teammate) Deuce Bomber to do a quick prayer for safety and a nod of thanks for the league,” says Harsha Punishment. “Then I’ve got my game face on!”

The Arch Rival Roller Girls continue these and other pre-bout rituals prior to the 2012 ARRG Local Championships held Saturday, April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’s “30n30″: Now that you’ve seen the before, let’s look at the after. The yin and yang, if you prefer. There has to be a release after the final whistle blows. Some prefer to keep the good times rolling with the after party, while others just want to call it a night because they’re simply wiped out. On Monday, we look at some post-bout rituals.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.

Other installments of ARRG’s “30n30″: PRE-SERIES SET-UP (1) EVOLUTION (2) THE DREAM TO PLAY AT CHAIFETZ (3) LOCAL SEASON RECAP (4) ARRG ALL-STARS (5) SAINT LUNACHIX (6) ROOKIE RIVALS (7) OFFICIALS & NSOs.

FIRST BOUT IN THE CITY TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 28

by the Grand Poobah, ARRG Bout Co-announcer

Yesterday, we reflected on the first public exhibition of the Arch Rival Roller Girls in April 2006, where the league made its debut in front of approximately 160 at a rented roller rink in Columbia, MO.

Without a doubt, the amount for the then-newly-formed franchise was deemed a success at the time. After all, the modern version of flat-track roller derby was a sport that seemed ripe for larger audiences.

But was it ready for St. Louis? At first, it seemed questionable. When the league began its 2006 local season later that September, the league held its bouts at the All-American Sports Mall in South County in front of audiences that equaled the Columbia attendance.

The line awaits ARRG action at All-American Sports Mall. Photo credit: Bob Dunnell

Over time, and as the popularity of ARRG attracted followers, the audiences began to grow. So much so that the facility could no longer house the league’s events, which resulted in a venue shift in April 2011 to ARRG’s current local home, the 1,000-person capacity Midwest Sport Hockey in Ballwin, MO.

The West County facility offered the league amenities that weren’t available at its prior home. Stadium seating for spectators to enjoy a better view of bout-play development. A climate-controlled environment that erased memories of the South County sweatbox. Most importantly for some, separate restrooms for men and women.

It was, and is still today, the perfect partnership….and both have benefitted greatly and will continue to benefit.

Yet the league saw the large audiences that enjoyed flat-track roller derby in other Midwestern markets. 2,500 in Kansas City. 3,000 in Cincinnati. 3,500 and up in Indianapolis.

ARRG savored what the other leagues of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association were experiencing.

ARRG in front of 3,500 in Indy. Photo credit: Bob Dunnell

“I’m a little jealous of the other leagues that have venues with more seating and sometimes more fans,” says ARRG skater Ginny Beastley, who serves on the league’s Board of Directors. “Okay, more than a little.”

For ARRG, that meant that it had to one day roll the dice and find a larger venue. And, in keeping with its Gateway City-related namesake, a venue within St. Louis city proper.

Skaters wanted it. Fans wanted it. Even the Mayor of St. Louis, Francis G. Slay, asked the league via Twitter as to when the league was going to hold a bout in the city?

That goal will be achieved as ARRG presents its 2012 Local Championships at Chaifetz Arena on Saturday, April 28 at 7 pm. In the main event, the Stunt Devils (4-0) face the M-80s (3-1) for the league title. Prior to that match-up, a third place bout between the Smashinistas (1-3) and Rebel Skate Alliance (0-4) takes place.

“It’s a big deal for us,” says Smashinistas’ skater Shimmy Hoffa. “We’re a roller derby league representing the city of St. Louis on a national level and now we’re getting to play in St. Louis City.

“Playing at Chaifetz feels like a homecoming of sorts.”

“We’ve been skating in a lot of different venues, especially on the road, and we’ve seen what works for different cities,” adds Stunt Devils’ jammer South City Shiner, a four-year skater of the league. “We’ll have a venue that really allows people to experience derby the way that it should be experienced.”

“It will do a lot for the city as well as for our league.”

Chaifetz Arena - Photo credit: SLU Athletics

“Personally, it’s going to be pretty huge for me because I’ve been around ARRG for a long time and it’s going to be the biggest thing that they have ever put on,” says M-80s’ blocker Rhino Might. “It’s going to be one of the biggest venues that I’ve ever skated on.

“I hope that we can pack it full. It’s going to be a show and I’m going to be very proud to skate there.”

When the league started researching local facilities to hold this season’s marquee event, the results varied. To paraphrase a fairy tale, some venues seemed too big, some venues seemed too small.

But Chaifetz Arena seemed just right for ARRG.

“I think ARRG had its eye on Chaifetz since it was built,” says Stunt Devils’ blocker Biohazard Betty, who also serves on the league’s Board of Directors. “It’s such a nice facility. It’s got the size to handle a larger crowd. It’s new and it’s nice and its location in the heart of the city is what we were looking for.

“There’s not a lot of places like that for us to play. It’s been on the radar for a long time. We just kind of said, ‘Okay, it’s all or nothing’ and we just went for it.”

Chaifetz Arena, located on the corner of Compton and Market in mid-town St. Louis, is the on-campus multi-purpose facility for St. Louis University. When ground was broken in August 2006, the facility would be the future home for SLU’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, its women’s volleyball program and its complex overall would serve the physical, educational and administrative needs for the university’s athletic department.

Chaifetz Arena - The Construction in July 2007. Photo credit: SLU Athletics

According to the facility’s website, the Chaifetz Arena is named after Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, licensed neuropsychologist and founder, chairman and CEO of the Chicago-based ComPsych Corporation. The 1975 alum made a $12 million donation to the university in 2007 and the university reciprocated with the naming rights.

The first event at Chaifetz, held on April 11, 2008, featured a basketball exhibition with the Harlem Globetrotters versus the Washington Generals. The result of the contest is not on record, but one can assume that two things occurred: (1) the Globetrotters won and (2) a bucket of confetti was thrown.

The first concert at the facility – Barry Manilow – was held two weeks later. Since then, the arena has hosted approximately 100 events yearly, ranging from concerts from nationally-touring acts to commencement ceremonies to monster truck exhibitions.

For Hoffa, the quest for ARRG to play at the home of the Billikens would take on whole new personal level. She made the initial contact with the venue’s chain of command.

“It’s kind of my baby,” says Hoffa. “When we were selling out the All-American, I could not grasp why we couldn’t play at a venue like Chaifetz. I was convinced it could be done.”

And it didn’t take much to convince others from within the league to jump at opportunity, given its past attendance success. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented few risks and potentially numerous rewards. The idea to pursue the mid-town venue was met with almost no resistance.

If ARRG was to make a splash in the city, then it would do it cannonball-style.

A packed lower bowl at Chaifetz. Photo credit: SLU University

“So I made some phone calls (to Chaifetz) and sent many e-mails,” said Hoffa. “With a lot of work by a lot of dedicated league members, it’s now on our schedule.”

When ARRG makes its debut at Chaifetz on Saturday, April 28, the seating parameters will remain similar compared to its bouts at Midwest Sport Hockey. Fans will be able to either sit in elevated “bowl-style” seating for a better look at play development or they can sit trackside and experience the action up-close.

The league also has a few surprises up its sleeve to make the experience an enjoyable one, whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time viewer.

In 26 days, the sport of women’s flat-track roller derby makes its in-city debut, which excites both veterans and rookies.

“It’s going to be really awesome to be skating on the sweet, sweet concrete floor in front of tons of our fans,” says Beastley, the third-year skater who will compete for Rebel Skate Alliance in the event’s third place bout against the Smashinisitas. “Oh, and the drive will be much shorter, which is always nice.”

“But mainly, I am just super excited that we are able to pull this off for ourselves and for our fans.”

“It is absolutely amazing to realize that I will be playing at Chaifetz,” adds Smashinistas rookie Brickyard. “If I had decided to take up roller derby any later than I had, I would not have this opportunity. It is awesome to see how much it means to the ARRG players who have been around for years.

“I feel like I’m part of history in the making!”

Indeed, it will be historical as attendance will easily set a new benchmark for an ARRG local event.

The seating chart for ARRG April 28 at Chaifetz Arena.

Prices for advance tickets for the double header are as follows:

$20 for VIP Trackside seating (adults only,) $15 for bowl seating and $6 bowl seating for children 10 and under.

Fans can purchase their tickets for the double header in the following ways:

- In advance in person at the Chaifetz Arena box office (Hours: Monday -Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm. NOTE: SLU students can get $3 off tickets when purchased at the box office.

-  In advance online through Metrotix (additional fee applies) via the Chaifetz Arena website link RIGHT HERE.

-  In person on event night at the Chaifetz Arena box office. (NOTE: Adult ticket prices will increase to $25 floor & $20 bowl at the door on event night and seating may not be available in all sections depending on advance sales.)

And regardless of where one sits on title night, they’ll know that they are reaping the rewards of six-plus years of hard work by ARRG.

“Being able to hold our Championship bout at Chaifetz Arena is a great accomplishment for the league,” says Hoffa. “It shows that the sport of roller derby is only continuing to grow in spectatorship and showmanship.

“And it’s a testament to the longevity of the Arch Rival Roller Girls.”

And now for a PSA…Poobah’s Service Announcment. Some quickie facts about Chaifetz Arena for ARRG’s April 28 event:

DOORS: The Chaifetz Arena will open its doors at 6 pm on championship night and the third place bout will begin promptly at 7 pm. The title bout will immediately follow.

PARKING: ARRG recommends SLU’s Olive garage, located at North East corner of Olive and Compton. There will be signs in front of the covered, secure garage that will indicate that it is SLU-designated parking. Once you park inside the 1,800 vehicle garage, a mere 3-minute walk gets you inside Chaifetz. Handicap parking is available at this garage. Cost of parking at this garage will be $6.

DESIGNATED DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP: This area is located on Compton Avenue, moving south, which is located on the east side of Chaifetz Arena. This will be marked with orange cones.

CONCESSIONS – There are multiple stands located around the arena. Outside food and drink will not be allowed to be brought into Chaifetz.

ALCOHOL – Alcohol and beer will be served to those 21 years and older, and everyone may be required to show proof of age.  No alcohol will be allowed to be brought in or out of the Arena.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Not only is photography allowed at the April 28 ARRG event, it is also encouraged. This is your chance to personally document local derby history.

MERCHANDISE – ARRG merchandise – both local team and league – will be available for purchase at Chaifetz. Complimentary programs featuring rosters and bout information will be available.

BANNER & SIGNS – Both are welcomed at Chaifetz Arena as long as it does not disrupt the view or experience of any other fan and the content is tasteful.  Banners and signs are subject to search and may be confiscated if messages are inappropriate.  Banner poles and sign sticks are not permitted.

BAG CHECK – All bags (camera bags, purses, backpacks, etc) will be subject to search upon entering Chaifetz Arena.  Please have your bag ready for search before you get to the gate to accelerate the process.

DRESS CODE – For all Chaifetz Arena events, there is no specific dress code.  However, any inappropriate clothing may be asked to be covered at any time.

For a complete look of FAQ about Chaifetz Arena, including guest services, go to the Chaifetz link RIGHT HERE!

COMING UP TOMORROW AT 8 AM FOR ARRG’S “30n30″: How did the double header bouts on title night come to be? The local season provided plenty of action and, simultaneously, intrigue and drama. Four teams began the schedule with a clean slate. What occurred during the local season resulted in the match-ups that will take place on April 28. Tuesday, we’ll recap the march to Championship night at Chaifetz.

ARRG’s “30n30″ is a daily feature that examines different aspects of the Arch Rival Roller Girls – St. Louis’ first female flat-track roller derby franchise. In this section every morning at 8 AM for the entire month of April, a new feature will be presented.