So You Think You're Smarter Than A Derby Roller?

Contributed photo

Join the Erie Roller Derby for a fun night of trivia and fundraising at the Brewerie at Union Station. The money raised from the event will help support the all volunteer, self funded organization that aims to bring inclusivity and fun with their regular bouts at the Bayfront Convention Center.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

The thrill of a roller derby bout has been an American tradition dating back further than one may think. Roller derby as we know it today began in 1937 by a walk-a-thon promoter who needed something a little more exciting to draw in Depression-era crowds.

Here's a basic rundown of what today's roller derby looks like: there are five players from each team — one jammer (whose job is to lap the other team resulting in points) and four blockers (whose job is to try to stop the other team's jammer from passing and to clear a path for their own). Each round is known as a jam, and at the beginning of each jam, the two jammers race out to be the first to get away from the pack. Whoever prevails becomes the lead jammer. In the two minute time jam, the teams earn points every time their jammer laps a member of the opposing team.

Roller derby has phased in and out of the mainstream for decades, but in 2001 in Austin, Texas, the traditionally structured sport came back with a blend of feminism in the form of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (W.F.T.D.A.). This governing body happens to be the association of which our own Erie Roller Derby (ERD) is currently a part.

If you've never been to an ERD bout, you are missing out. The group is a beacon of inclusivity.

Oriana Mattis, a blocker/jammer and team captain, who also holds a seat on the board of directors, speaks on her favorite things about the team and league, "I just love the built-in family and instant support you receive. People from all walks of life come in and are accepted, and they all have the same goal… to hit each other! Respectfully." She also notes that the league is a completely volunteer run organization. "We've been around since 2010, and have been self funded since then."

So, what to do when faced with a self-funding obstacle? You raise funds! And this month you can enjoy a night out and some competitive trivia at "Trivia Night With Erie Roller Derby," all while raising funds for Erie's only derby team and testing your wits against them. Trivia night will be held at The Brewerie At Union Station, and there will be first, second, and third place prizes awarded. Along with the prizes, attendees will have other chances to win with 50/50s, raffle baskets, and delicious drink specials. This trivia tradition is the fifth annual (not counting the pandemic era), so guests can expect a fun time. Will you accept the challenge to prove that you are smarter than a derby roller?

7 p.m. // The Brewerie At Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. // $40 per team with four people to a team // Tickets available at: tickets.eriereader.com