Eight roller derby teams from five states will converge on Jordan Valley Ice Park in Springfield for the Show Me Skate Invitational Tournament July 5-7.
It’s the second year for the tournament, hosted by Springfield Roller Derby, and it features a special open-gender roller derby mashup game on the second day, July 6.
“We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received from last year’s tournament, so we’re excited to go even bigger for the next one,” Springfield Roller Derby head coach Suzanne Cantrell said in a press release. On the track, she’s known as Psycho Suzie.
Eight teams, 12 bouts, one champion
The first of 12 bouts is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 5, and it will be between Natural State Roller Derby (Fayetteville, Arkansas) and the Kansas City Roller Warriors All-Stars (Kansas City, Missouri). Bouts are scheduled to begin every two hours.
The lineup of Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA)-chartered teams competing in the Show Me Skate Invitational also includes:
- Capital City Crushers (Topeka, Kansas)
- Confluence Crush Roller Derby (St. Louis/Metro East, Illinois)
- CoMo Roller Derby (Columbia, Missouri)
- Twister City Roller Derby Tornado Alley (Oklahoma City)
- Fountain City Roller Derby (Kansas City, Missouri)
“Attendees can expect fast-paced action, bone-jarring hits and nail-biting finishes as these talented athletes compete to be the 2024 Show Me Skate champion, showcasing their agility, strategy and determination on the track,” a press release reads.
All-gender ‘mashup' planned for July 6
The first-ever Show Me Skate Mashup will start at approximately 7 p.m. on July 6, with skaters of all genders participating. It will follow WFTDA rules.
It’s called a “mashup” because players register in advance and are then assigned to one of two teams. These games often give newer players a low-stakes opportunity to learn more about roller derby and skate in a bout.
“We can’t wait to show Springfield and the roller derby community how much we’ve grown since rebuilding after the pandemic,” said Tristan Colvard, SRD president. She skates as No. 17 The Spread Eagle. “SRD’s culture is all about making everyone feel like they belong, so we’re excited to extend that hospitality to visiting skaters and fans.”
There's also fun planned off the track
There’s plenty of fun to be had off the track as well. Attendees can enjoy games and photo opportunities throughout the weekend, and team merchandise, concessions and beverages will be for sale.
Several of SRD’s 2024 season sponsors will be in attendance and vendor tables will be set up inside Jordan Valley Ice Park. After the bouts conclude each day, skaters and fans are encouraged to head over to Hold Fast Brewing for an afterparty.
Ticket presales have ended, but a limited number of single-day and full-weekend passes will be available at the door. Single-day tickets are $10; $25 covers your admission for the whole weekend.
Want to go?
What: Springfield Roller Derby’s 2024 Show Me Skate Invitational Tournament
When: July 5-7. Doors open at noon on July 5, with the first whistle at 1 p.m. For July 6-7, the doors open at 8 a.m., with the first whistle at 9. Bouts are scheduled to start every two hours.
Where: Jordan Valley Ice Park (635 E. Trafficway St.)
Tickets: A limited number of single-day passes ($10) and weekend passes ($25) will be available at the door.
For more information: Visit the Springfield Roller Derby website and check out the Show Me Skate Invitational digital program, or follow SRD on Facebook and Instagram.
