Meet the Hosts: Charm City and DC

by Shelly Shankya

The 2011 East Region Playoffs kick off the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's Big 5 tournament season. All of the fast-pack action will take place Sept. 16-18 at Baltimore’s Clarence “Du” Burns Arena. The "Nightmare on 95" is co-hosted by Baltimore's Charm City Rollergirls and their neighbors, the DC Rollergirls.

“Our leagues have long enjoyed a friendly relationship, and working on the tournament together has only strengthened our partnership," Lois Slain, Tournament Co-Chair with the DC Rollergirls, said.

Both leagues boast strong skaters and teams, as well as placement in the region. This season sees Charm City in its second year of placing at third in the region. DC Rollergirls just missed the cut this year and are currently seeded as 11 in the East. With over 70 skaters on each league, the ladies from along Interstate 95 plan big things for the WFTDA’s inaugural tournament of the year.

“Charm City has a nice, intimate venue for the tournament, an indoor soccer arena that holds about 1,300 people,” Slain said.

Du Burns Arena is Charm City’s regular venue, and is located on the historic waterfront in downtown Baltimore. Skaters, fans and roller derby aficionados will enjoy the action on the track and off. Some highlights not far from the derby action include the neighborhoods of Canton, Fells Point and the Inner Harbor.

“Despite its sometimes dubious reputation, Baltimore is a really fun city and there is a lot to explore in the neighborhoods near Du Burns Arena,” Slain said.

The two leagues plan to help one another get through the rollicking weekend, as they have since their leagues started in the mid 2000s, Baltimore in 2005 and DC in 2006. Originally slated to host the tournament solo, the DC Rollergirls enlisted the help of Charm City after failing to find an appropriate venue. With barely an hour between the two cities, the two make an ideal hosting pair.

“We sort of fell into co-hosting after DC was unsuccessful in finding an affordable venue to host the tournament in our nation's capital. DC had lots of people eager to help run a tournament, and Charm City had a great venue and an additional pool of people to help run the tournament," Slain said.

• Read more about Charm City, this month's featured league.
• Snatch up one of the last few tickets for Nightmare on 95, and plan your trip to Baltimore!
• Can't make the East Region Playoffs this year? Watch online and enter our bracket contest to play along at home!