Public FAQ

So uh… what’s the deal? Is it a big deal?

The Great Southern Slam will be the biggest ever roller derby tournament held in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s kind of a big deal. The leagues skating in it are already so excited we can’t sleep.

Do you really mean three whole entire days of roller derby action?

Yes, three whole entire days of roller derby action. Can you believe it?
Over 30 leagues will travel to Adelaide from all over Australia and New Zealand to skate in the first roller derby tournament of this size in the Southern Hemisphere.
How freaking exciting is that?!

• Saturday June 9: Tournament preliminary qualifying rounds.
• Sunday June 10: quarter and semi-finals, match up bouts, and challenge bouts.
• Monday June 11: Grand Final, Battle for 3rd, match up bouts, and challenge bouts.

Okay, I’m there. Where do I go to watch this giant tournament thing?

The Great Southern Slam will be held at the Adelaide Showground, in both the Jubilee and Wayville pavilions. See the Venue section of this website for more info.

Can I Bring My Roller Skates?

Sorry, no. No public skating is allowed, due to conditions of our insurance for the tournament. So please don’t put wheels on your feet anywhere inside the venue any time over the tournament weekend. Thanks for helping us keep the tournament safe.

How do I get there?

Transport information is in the Participants section of this website, but, basically, the event is held in the North-West corner of the Showground, the corner that’s bounded by Goodwood Road and Rose Terrace.
Enter through the Rose Terrace gate.

Do I need to buy a ticket before I get there, or can I pay on the door?

Tickets will be available online or via telephone from Oztix soon.
It’s wise like an owl to get a ticket beforehand; see the Buy Tix on the side panel of this website for more info.
We might be selling a few tickets on the door each day, but we’d hate you to miss out.

What about the little people?

Should the kids come along? Well… Yes, there will be quite a few feisty rollergirls around, and a lot of hard hitting action, but the tournament will be a pretty family-friendly event. Kids usually have a great time, and anyone under the age of 5 doesn’t need a ticket.
BUT on bout day: While it will be tempting to get up close to the action, please don’t let anyone you’re with under the age of 18 sit in the ‘suicide section’ – the area of ground within a metre of the track boundary, the whole way around the track.
Rollergirls do come flying off the track and into the crowd with high force. It’s a dangerous sport.

Is there reserved seating?

Nope, it’s all general admission. To be fair, we give our kind and generous sponsors a few clearly marked seats, but otherwise it’s first in, best seat.
But don’t worry, there will be so many bouts over the two days that if you miss out on a good seat for one bout, you’ll probably get one for the next.

Can I bring a chair?

Yes! You should definitely consider bringing a folding chair or a cushion or rug to sit on. While we do have some bleacher seats, you’ll most likely be sitting on concrete otherwise, and the floors can get a bit cold in June.
But – If you do bring a seat, please set it up at least a couple of metres back from the track, so that people seated on the floor in front of you can see. That’s just polite.

I love love love love love love love a particular derby league. How can I show my love?

Most of the derby leagues skating will be selling t-shirts and other merch items at the tournament, so you can deck yourself out in your league’s gear. At a minimum they’ll be selling t-shirts, so you can buy one for your top half and one to wear upside-down as t-pants. Stubbie holders with the base removed make excellent wrist bands.
Yelling about how great your team is while they’re playing also helps. Yep, we can hear you when we’re on the track, and a little love from the sidelines can make all the difference. And feel free to make signs, banners, flags, ridiculous oversize hats, mascot outfits, etc. We love that stuff.
Pick a second and third favourite league for the weekend, for when your most favourite is not skating. Don’t worry, it’s not cheating to love more than one bunch of rollergirls.
If you’re local and usually an Adelaide fan, pick a visiting team to foster for the tournament, to show our visitors a warm Adelaide welcome. You might have to give them back at the end of the weekend, though. I know we’d love to keep them, too.

Does the venue sell food?

Yes, the Adelaide Showground has a range of fried snack foods, like hotdogs and hot chips, as well as healthier options such as salads, sandwiches and sushi. Soft drinks and bottled water are also available.
On Sunday mornings, the Adelaide Showground hosts the Farmer’s Markets, next to the Leader Street entrance, where you can buy great coffee and delicious locally produced foods. Breakfast? Um, yes please.
And feel free to bring your own food if you want something different.

Does the venue sell alcohol?

Yes – delicious local beer and some spirits are available for the 18+.
BYO booze is a huge no-go, because the venue is licensed. Don’t be that guy.

What should I bring?

Okay, here are the essentials:

• Your ticket
• Money for food, beer and merch
• A chair or cushion or rug to sit on
• Derby love