2017 is bringing big changes for your Cincinnati Rollergirls! After 10 wonderful years at the to-be-demolished Cincinnati Gardens, we’ll be playing our 2017 home season at Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse at Xavier University. Here are answers to some frequently asked question about our 2017 season at Schmidt.

Why did you choose Schmidt Fieldhouse? Did you explore other options?
Yes! After exploring potential venues all over Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, from small sports complexes to big arenas, we chose Schmidt because of its central location, size, availability and affordability. We’re excited to fill this historic venue with roller derby fans for the very first time!
I’m not familiar with Schmidt. What’s it like?
Schmidt is a 3,000-seat arena that was built in 1927 and opened in 1928 for Xavier’s basketball program. It has a basketball court surface and bleacher seating on each side. Now primarily used for Xavier’s recreational sports program, it has also hosted World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events and a speech by President Bill Clinton in 1996. It’s located at 3900 Winding Way on Xavier’s West Campus.
When are your games this year?
We’re holding four events this year. Our headline game will still be at 6 p.m., followed by a secondary game at 8 p.m. New this year, you can also come early to catch the Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls in action and snag a good seat for the later games. One ticket gets you into any and all games. Feel free to arrive and leave when you wish!
March 18: Home Opener
4 p.m. Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls Varsity vs. Black-N-Blue Gems (Dayton/NKY)
6 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Black Sheep vs. Fort Wayne Derby Girls
8 p.m. Cincinnati Battering Rams vs. Capital City Hooligans (Springfield, IL)
April 8: Superhero Night
4 p.m. Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls JV vs. NEOJr
6 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Violent Lambs vs. Circle City Derby Girls Socialites (Indianapolis)
8 p.m. Cincinnati Junior Rollergirls Varsity vs. Nashville Junior Roller Derby
May 6: Star Wars Night
6 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Black Sheep vs. Beckley Area Derby Dames (Beckley, WV)
8 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Violent Lambs vs. TBA
June 10: Fan Appreciation Night
6 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Black Sheep vs. Cornfed Derby Dames (Muncie, IN)
8 p.m. Cincinnati Rollergirls Violent Lambs vs. Derby City Roller Girls (Louisville, KY)
Why aren’t both the Black Sheep (A team) and Violent Lambs (B team) playing at every double-header as usual?
Every year, our participation ebbs and flows as skaters retire and others join the team. We’re proud to report that we had a record turnout of 40 skaters at our January tryouts. We’ve seen such a great influx of new talent, and having single games early in the season allows us to train together and mesh as a team more quickly. In the meantime, we want to showcase all of Cincinnati roller derby, including the region’s only men’s team and our internationally-ranked youth team.
How much are tickets?
Season tickets are the best deal at just $40 for adults (that’s just $10 per game!) and $15 for kids 7-12! Kids 6 and under are always free. Season ticket holders get their choice of seating in reserved rows behind the team benches (arrive early for your choice of seats in these reserved rows), a badge offering discounts at the merch booth and a signed CRG poster.
CLICK HERE to buy season tickets.
Single game ticket prices are:
• Adults: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
• Children 7-12: $5 in advance, $7 at the door
• Children 6 and under: Free
• College students and staff: $7 at the door only with valid ID
• Group tickets: $10/adult for groups in advance only; tickets for children joining the group must be purchased separately
CLICK HERE to buy tickets for the March 18 home opener. One ticket gets you into any and all games on each home game date.
How do I buy tickets?
Buy tickets through Brown Paper Tickets. We strongly recommend buying tickets in advance for shorter lines and quicker entry on game days, but we’ll also be selling tickets at the door.
Why don’t you have a floor seating ticket option?
Floor space is limited at Schmidt, but if you’re 18 or older, you may still sit on the floor with any ticket you purchase (first come, first serve). Some chairs will be available, but you may also bring your own seat cushion, bean bag chair or camping chair.
Are you still offering special ticket packages for birthday parties and scout groups?
In order to keep our ticketing and production as simple as possible in our new venue, we decided not to offer special ticket packages this season. However, we may bring them back in the future.
Can you accommodate fans who require ADA access?
Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse was built in 1927 and is not as accessible as modern facilities. However, we are doing our best to accommodate fans with limited mobility and disabilities.
Six ADA parking spots will be available at the Armory, next door to Schmidt, and fans who use wheelchairs should enter Schmidt through through a loading door at the northeast side of Schmidt Memorial Fieldhouse. (Please note that cars cannot remain parked at this entrance.) CRG will have volunteers at this entrance who can help people in wheelchairs down the ramp and escort them to an accessible seating area on the floor. Fans with disabilities who are able to enter through the main doors off of Winding Way may sit in the top middle section on either side of the fieldhouse.
Please email [email protected] before game day if you have questions or concerns about accessibility.
Will your games still be family-friendly even though they’re happening on a college campus?
Yes! That part of our games isn’t changing. We’re still committed to putting on competitive sporting events that are appropriate and entertaining for all ages.
Where do we park for games?
Visitor parking is shown with a blue P sign on this map. The spots surrounding the soccer field will also be available, and you may also park for free at Cintas Center and walk to Schmidt (an estimated 10-15-minute walk) if you are able. Some street parking may also be available, but we ask that you be respectful of our neighbors and not block driveways, park on lawns or tailgate in residential neighborhoods.
Are there other transportation options?
Yes! Due to limited parking, we strongly recommend that you explore all of your options for transportation to Schmidt, including the bus and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
The two Metro bus routes that best serve the Xavier campus are Route 4 and Route 51. Routes 43, 45 and 47 are also nearby. For a map of bus stops near Xavier University, click here.
Can we still tailgate?
Sorry, tailgating is not permitted on Xavier’s campus.
What kinds of concessions will there be?
Xavier will be selling snacks and candy as well as beer and soda beginning at 5 p.m.:
• $5 16oz cans of Budweiser Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, and other domestics as available
• $5 12oz cans of Urban Artifact Finn
• $3 Bottled water/soda
If you’re hungry or want a drink before or after the game, there are lots of great options near campus!
Are you still doing a $1 beer happy hour?
Unfortunately, this was a perk of the Cincinnati Gardens that we are unable to continue in our new home.
Are you still going to livestream the games?
ICRC-TV will be live-streaming our games and recording them for a tape-delayed broadcast on local cable access channels. We are also planning to livestream portions of our games using Facebook Live from our Facebook page.
Where is the after party?
Urban Artifact craft brewery in Northside will be returning as our official after-party sponsor! Join us there after the final game of the night. The address is 1660 Blue Rock St., Cincinnati, OH 45223.
How do I sponsor the team?
If you’re Interested in sponsorships or advertising opportunities this season, we’d love to hear from you. We have a wide range of packages available, but we’re also happy to build a custom package to meet your needs, goals and budget. Send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.
I know someone who’s interesting in singing the National Anthem or performing at halftime. Who should they contact?
Send an email to [email protected].
How do I join the team?
We’ll be holding tryouts on the Sunday after each of our games this year! Our tryouts are open and inclusive, so no matter your skill level, if you’re 18 or older, we will have a place for you on the Cincinnati Rollergirls. All we ask is that you try your best and don’t give up — those are the most important qualities in any roller derby player! For more information about upcoming tryout dates and requirements, follow us on Facebook or visit our recruiting page.
Will there be any opportunities to see or play roller derby after the home season is over?
We can never get enough of roller derby, and we hope you can’t either! Our plan is to offer our skaters and fans more opportunities to play and see derby this fall. Details are still in the works, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for our email list to get the latest news.