Windy City Rollers – website
Other features: The Windy City Rollers are on a mission to advance the sport of roller derby (& show their fans a good time, of course), so they do a lot to help their fans understand the game. On the website, you can find about how to watch the game, which explains the players and how the game is played. They also have a demonstration before the game starts when they explain the game. There is a table where you can buy programs and sign up for their mailing list, and players throughout the pavilion selling programs and talking to fans. They even have a special section where you can sit with players so they can help you understand the game!
Kids were invited onto the floor before the game started so they could give high fives to the skaters as the teams skated out for introductions.
At halftime, BOOM CRACK! dance company performed and they were great. Cooper and Dexter thoroughly enjoyed it and danced along in the stands.
Food: The UIC Pavilion does not allow outside food to be brought in. Concessions are available throughout the Pavilion. You’ll find hamburgers, hot dogs, Polish sausage, bratwurst, chicken sandwiches and nuggets, fries, candy, popcorn, and nachos, as well as beer, pop, and even frozen cocktails. Prices are what you’d expect to pay at a concert or event; we paid $3 for a bag of Twizzlers and $4 for a soft pretzel. There are water fountains we used to refill sippy cups. (The faucets in the bathroom are automatic and the water is warm.)
I loved that they invited the kids up to high five the skaters; Mobile Chernobyl noticed Cooper was a little nervous so she took his hand and led him to the line, and then stayed with him and helped him out the whole time!
Dexter was probably a bit young for this, particularly because he is a really active kid. Cooper seemed to enjoy himself, although he did get a little antsy at times. We spent a lot of time walking around the pavilion and that seemed be a nice break for them. There were a lot of other kids in the audience; kids a little older than Cooper seemed to be having a great time and there were some kids Dexter’s age and younger that seemed content. I’d probably say it would be best for kids over 4 though.
We left three-quarters of the way through the bout. John and I would have liked to stay, but it was past bedtime and the kids were definitely ready to go. I would definitely return, but it may be for a girls’ night out or date night without kids so I can enjoy the action a little more. I think once the boys are a little older I’d love to bring them back too.
I received 4 complementary tickets to the Windy City Rollers. The opinions expressed are my own.