Houston Roller Derby Announces New Venue, 2012 Season Dates

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 14, 2011) Houston Roller Derby is bringing its fast-paced flat track action to downtown in 2012, hosting games at the Verizon Wireless Theater March through September, with the season opener taking place on March 17.


The Verizon, located at 520 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston's vibrant theater district, has a capacity of more than 2,000 and all the up-to-date features of a professional venue.


Bout ticket prices will remain at the same price level as the 2011 season, at $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP.


At the venue, fans will find beer options priced from $4 in addition to a full bar and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Food concessions at the venue are catered by Wolfgang Puck.


"The skaters in Houston Roller Derby are so excited to bring our sport's eclectic mix of athleticism and entertainment to a more central location this year," said Tiffany Hamilton aka Grrrl Friday, spokeswoman. "Our fans made us what we are; we know we'd be nothing with out them, so their happiness is paramount to us. We're delighted to invite them to a huge, professional venue that is easily accessible to all Houstonians and has lots of perks."


While fans will have the option to experience the many amenities of a professional venue, bouts will still provide the intimacy of floor "suicide" seating near the track with plentiful chair seating nearby.


"We still want to say hi to our fans and sign plenty of autographs," Hamilton said. "A bigger venue might give us a taste of what it's like to be a rock star but it definitely won't change our down-to-earth style."


The season dates for 2012 are: March 17, April 21, May 19, June 9, July 21, August 18 and September 15. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and games start at 7 p.m.


The season opener on March 17 will start off with a game between the Houston Roller Derby all-stars and an out-of-town team that is yet to be announced. The second game will pit 2011 season champion team the Psych Ward Sirens against second-ranked team the Bayou City Bosses. Fans won't want to miss this pivotal first game of the new season to see if the Sirens remain triumphant or if the three-time champion Bosses pull an upset. Third-ranked team The Brawlers will play the Sirens in April.


Patrons may park in the Theater District Parking Garage for $7 with entrances at Texas and Bagby streets as well as Texas and Smith streets. Valet parking is available for $10, with entrances on both Texas Avenue and Smith Street. Some metered street parking is also available in the area, with free parking after 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The venue is accessible by Houston city bus service and cab service.


HRD is also hosting a tournament May 11-12 at a different venue: Houston Indoor Sports, located at 221 Barren Springs Drive. The tournament will feature several out-of-town teams competing with Houston's all-star team.


As a relatively new sport following its resurgence in the late 1990s, roller derby has evolved from season to season, becoming more competitive and athletic as its skaters further hone their skills and develop new strategies.


Since organizing in 2005 Houston Roller Derby has grown into a league of more than 50 skaters. HRD is one of 130 member leagues that make up the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, and is ranked fifth in the WFTDA South Central Region. Houston's all-star team was one of the top 12 teams in the nation to compete at the WFTDA national championships in November 2009. HRD’s 2012 season starts in March. For more information, visit http://www.houstonrollerderby.com/.