ROCK SPRINGS – Jammers lace up their skates as they fight through opponents to earn points for their teams with the cheers and jeers echoing throughout the arena. With the Bitter Sweet Bombshells’ first home match just about a month away, preparations are being made including getting the initial approval for beer in the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center.
Currently, the Bud Cup is the only event which is allowed to have alcohol in the rec center but one bad year almost put an end to that. Recently, the local roller derby squad approached the Rock Springs Parks and Recreation Board to see if they could have a beer garden at their May 31 home opener against the Coal Miners’ Daughters from Gillette.
While there was a lot of excitement about the event, the board was very specific in their questioning on the alcohol issue. Board member Stevi Madsen said she believed they had set a precedent with the hockey tournament, and roller derby should be done the same way if the board approves it.
Another board member Lynne Demshar asked the girls if they were willing to set up a beer garden. Janice Grover-Roosa, or as she is better known in the roller derby world Dewey Decimate Her, said they were. Demshar also asked if they would have a professional business serving and running security. Grover-Roosa said they “absolutely” have an interest in doing this, and they are looking at everything right now.
Board member Joe Lison explained that, with many semi-pro sports and leagues; there is alcohol served. He added that, since it is not school sponsored he was for it.
Chairman Ron Cheese has always taken a strong stance against alcohol, and this event was no different.
“I have always said it and I will continue to stand by it,” Cheese said. “I don’t think there is room for alcohol in our rec center.”
The board asked Park and Recreation Director Dave Lansang about staff’s thoughts on the issue. Lansang said he met with RSFRC Director Mike Evans to discuss the subject. Lansang said the Bud Cup puts a strain on staff, and there were concerns about it.
“We’re not excited about having alcohol but if it’s your wishes we will,” Lansang said.
Madsen asked if there have been any new issues with the Bud Cup. Lansang said nothing notable but said they were concerned that the Bud Cup organizers wanted to set aside the plan that was working and change it.
There were several other points which were brought up. The first was that its a flat track league and while they have the bleachers, they also have seating for the brave right next to the track. Grover-Roosa explained only people over 18 will be allowed in the seating next to the track. She also stressed they are a family-friendly event as children under the ages of 12-years-old do get in free. She also was very pointed to tell the board there would be no children allowed in the beer garden whatsoever.
Another point brought forward was while the Bud Cup spans over several days, the match will last about three and a half hours and then will be over. Roosa said beer is a common staple for these events, and it adds to the ambiance to the event.
The other point made was that, by the time of the event, the center will have switched to summer hours and will be closed at 6 p.m. on Saturday. That means there would not be much interaction with the general public and people attending the event.
The Parks and Recreation Board did approve the request with the stipulation that professionals would be serving and running the alcohol portion of the event. Cheese was the only vote against the request.
The request will now go to the Rock Springs City Council for final approval.
Bitter Sweet Schedule
May 31 – Bitter Sweet Bombshells vs. Coal Miners’ Daughters – Rock Springs
June 28-29 – Wyoming Derby Cup – Casper Events Center
July 19 – Bombshells vs. Jackson Hole Juggernauts – Rock Springs
Sept. 6 – Bombshells vs. A’Salt Creek Roller Girls – Casper Fair Grounds
