Meet the Hosts: Rose City Rollers

By Shelly Shankya

Portland’s Rose City Rollers, #4 in the West, are thrilled to be hosting the 2011 West Region Playoffs this year, September 23-25 in Portland, OR at Memorial Coliseum. This is the second tournament of WFTDA’s 2011 Big 5 Tournaments, and it also marks Rose City's second time hosting a WFTDA tournament.

“The Rose City Rollers love roller derby and hosting events!” Tournament Chair Draggin' Lady said. “We jumped at the chance to host Bridgetown Brawl, the 2011 West Region Playoffs as we had so much fun co-hosting the 2008 Nationals with the Rat City Rollergirls.”

Portland’s Memorial Coliseum, the venue for this year’s West Region Playoffs, is new to the Rose City Rollers. Located in the Rose Quarter, the venue is close to the Wilamette River, as well as other places of interest in the area.

“We are proud to host in a new venue for the league, the historic Memorial Coliseum, the former home of the Portland Trailblazers,” Draggin' Lady said. “It is a great place located in the Rose Quarter, in the heart of the city and part of the central public transportation hub.”

The lineup for the 2011 West Region Playoffs is largely the same as it was last year. After Duke City moved to the South Central Region, the team’s spot in the top 10 was filled by Sacred City Derby Girls, the hosts of 2010’s West Region Playoffs. Despite the subtle shift in rankings, Rose City looks forward to a grand turnout.

“It had been too long since we had everyone come to Portland!” Draggin' Lady said. “It’s a great city to visit with mild weather and lots of fun stuff to do, many places to see, and a whole variety of things eat. This city is our playground, and it is always wonderful to share it all with the community!”

Learn more about WFTDA's 2011 West Region Playoffs