Sorry for the lull. After a slew of posts last week it seems we’ve hit a drought. You see, I had big plans for last weekend, but unfortunately every single one of them fell through.
On Saturday, Eric and I rushed to meet my friends Karen and Brad at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin for the Brewcity Bruisers’ second-season championship. I had never seen a roller derby, not to mention Milwaukee’s first and only all-girl league, and I’ve been itching to check it out since the Brewcity Bruisers brought their new wave of sport to Milwaukee in 2005.
The Brewcity Bruisers represent ladies of all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds, attitude, and skill levels. They promote women's strength and self-esteem, camaraderie and friendship. And they are, well, pretty badass!
I decided we should get to the complex by 6:30 to get tickets since I couldn’t find where to purchase them online and we wanted to make sure we got seats and beat the crowd.
Boy did I underestimate the Bruisers’ fan base!
We were stuck in a line of cars that only inched down Ryan Road. Twenty minutes later, Eric and I paid for parking, tromped through the snow covered parking lot (I lost my shoe) and stood in a lengthy line for $12 tickets. When we finally got to the ticket window, we discovered that tickets were cash only and that there wasn't an ATM on the premises AND that between Eric and I, we only had $5 to our name. Grrr!
We had two options: Leave to find an ATM, wait in bumper-to-bumper traffic, repay for parking, and then get our tickets (which would be time poorly bestowed) or chalk it up to poor organization, planning and lack of information. Naturally, we chose option #2 and the four of us ended up in Bay View at the Palomino for a few beers to ease our tension.
Unfortunately, there were no catty throw-downs, no Crazy Eights, Shevil Knevils, Maiden Milwaukee or Rushin’ Rollettes, no athleticism or wild entertainment or tough competition, and no trophy, at least not for us.
I was really looking forward to my first Brewcity Bruisers event, which is why I’m still completely bummed. I don’t understand why the organizers didn’t indicate on their website or in the advertisements that you can only buy tickets with cash. It also would have been beneficial to know that the place fills up early. I had no idea. So, I’ll leave you with the advice I wish I’d been offered: bring cash or buy your tickets in advance, carpool, and arrive early – doors open at 6 p.m.
Now, I’m forced to wait to test my luck next season...
Aw, that sucks!!
Good to know, though, for those of us who might want to check them out in the future ... so thanks! And sorry the night was such a bust!
Posted by: Erin | February 03, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Cash is king! Unless you're destitute, you should never go anywhere without at least $20 on ya.
Posted by: Chris | February 04, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Boo for missing the roller derby!!! We certainly weren't prepared for the gigantic crowd we attended at our Championships, and I'm sad that there wasn't an "Option 3" that included running into a good friend that was just walking in that you could bum some cash from.
With every bout, we learn something new! WE NEED AN ATM! :)
Posted by: Servin' Justice | February 05, 2008 at 03:01 PM
our travel season starts in april and i encourage you to check back for the home games. they start [i'm pretty sure] in july... come check it out then.
the travel games are way more brutal than our regular season games and probably would be a lot more exciting to watch for a first timer. ;D
sorry you had such a problem. i'll pass it along to the web master and get that info posted on the site. thanks!
Posted by: Smirk Savage | March 13, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Thanks for the info!
I REALLY want to see you ladies in action! Where do you travel for games? (Those sound like fun to watch!)
I'll certainly check your site for more information regarding your home games. I can't wait for them to start again -- this time I'm determined to go!
I'm glad you stopped by!!!
Posted by: Karen | March 14, 2008 at 02:17 PM