Fresh Out of the Oven: Hot Tips for Attending RollerCon in Las Vegas
- Chicago Style
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
By: Rolly Ghost
Picture this: you’re so deep down the derby rabbit hole that you start planning your vacations around it.
It’s more likely than you think! RollerCon is a one-of-a-kind convention for roller skaters and roller derby fans in Las Vegas. It offers a wide variety of activities from every facet of the roller skating community. And what better way to spend a 5-day vacation in Vegas than on skates with your friends?
What Can I do at RollerCon?
Learn derby skills: Take classes from some of the world’s best roller derby players. Expect to take lessons from skaters like Optimus Grime, Lilly Gaskell, Freight Train, and more! You’ll need an MVP pass and active derby insurance for this.
Compete: Skate in a bout on the flat track or the banked track. Most bouts have a fun theme with costumes and shenanigans. Past themes include Lord Farquad vs. Shrek and Barbie vs. Weird Barbie.
Watch all the derby: Injured skaters welcome! Whether you’re just a fan, tuckered out from last night’s party, or healing from an injury, there’s always a game to spectate. Take a cozy seat in the bleachers or trackside on the floor, and live vicariously through your friends and idols on the track.
Dance skate: It’s not all about derby. Fulfill your Roll Bounce dreams and learn a routine on skates with well-known instructors like Dirty Deborah Harry. You might even get a chance to learn some classic circus stunts with Kim Manning.
Catch Some Radical Air at the Skatepark: RollerCon builds their very own skatepark right at the convention center. Catch a class or come to an open session and drop into some fun. The best part? You don’t have to go outside in the heat!
Open Skate: RollerCon sets up a small rink with a DJ for those who want to take a relaxing, casual skate break. You can also try out the banked track during a more high-energy open skate.
Street Skate: Show your moves off to the whole town with many street skating opportunities led by experienced guides. These typically take place late at night or early in the morning to avoid the heat, but bringing a neck fan is a good idea.
Party All Night: There’s an official party each night. From pool parties to 21+ open skates to Derby Prom, there’s a party for every kind of party animal.
Shopping: Support skater-owned and queer-owned shops right at the convention. Bring home a brand new pair of skates or a “Gay Panic” t-shirt; your choice.
Help, I Need a Travel Planner!
Don’t worry, we have you covered! We’ve listed our recommendations for accommodations, transportation, and more.
Where to Stay: RollerCon’s main hotels are The Plaza and The Downtown Grand (DTG), and both have sweet deals. The hotels stand at opposite ends of Fremont Street. The Plaza offers a more grandiose casino experience, while DTG offers newly renovated rooms. A majority of CSRD RollerCon attendees recommend DTG. Each hotel hosts parties on alternating nights, and you can easily walk between them, so don’t worry about being too far from the action.
Hot Tip - For an extra discount, log in or sign up for the free hotel rewards program.
Transportation: There’s no need to rent a car, unless you plan to extend your vacation with a trip to the surrounding national parks. RollerCon charters buses to commute to and from the convention center, and they run frequently. As mentioned, both of the official hotels are located right off Fremont Street, so you can walk between the hotels easily and are close to plenty of entertainment, casinos, and restaurants. If you want to visit the Vegas Strip, a Lyft or Uber can get you there quickly.
Arrival and Departure: The duration of your trip depends on how much you want to do outside of RollerCon events. For the derby-focused, “I barely have PTO” attendee, we recommend arriving Wednesday morning or early afternoon. This gives you time to grab your badge/bracelet, explore a fun lunch spot, and hit up the welcome pool party or catch the first street skate. You can add a day on either or both ends to do some local exploring and relax at the spa after a week of skating like it’s your full-time job.
If you want to work RollerCon into a longer vacation plan, you can extend your vacation another 3+ days to do a road trip to nearby national parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more.
What to Pack:
Derby skates and full gear - Bring grippy wheels for the concrete floor.
Outdoor wheels or skates - Take all skates in your carry-on.
Swimsuits, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Fresh athletic wear for each day and lots of deodorant
A casual outfit for each day
Plenty of socks and undergarments. It’s hot, you’re going to sweat through them.
Lotion, lip balm, and eye drops. It may not be winter in Chicago, but it’s a DRY heat.
At least one formal outfit for Derby Prom or a nice dinner out
A massive water bottle, hydration packets like Liquid I.V., and protein snacks
Cash for tipping bartenders, bellhops, etc.
Costumes. Many events and bouts have themes.
Pencil and notebook. Take as many notes as possible!
The Vegas Experience
There’s plenty to do in Vegas outside of RollerCon.
Gambling: Hot Tip - Each casino offers free play money to first-time visitors. Visit the guest service desk at each casino you visit to snag this deal. If you’re like me and not a big gambler, turn their $20 into $30-$60 and cash out while you're ahead. Use that free money for a souvenir or dinner and call it a day.
Sites and Entertainment: There’s entertainment everywhere. You’ll see plenty of buskers on Fremont Street, each hotel and casino has entertainers, and so do many restaurants. If you’re looking for a classic Vegas experience, visit the Bellagio botanical garden and Circus Circus. Thrill seekers can soar over the crowds on the Slotzilla Zipline or take a dive off the top of The Strat. Big spenders might catch a show like a big-name residency or Cirque Du Soleil. And those seeking a more niche experience can visit unique attractions like Meow Wolf Omega Mart, the Neon Museum, or the Pinball Hall of Fame.
Restaurants: There is certainly no shortage of restaurants in Vegas. Check out high-end establishments like Hell’s Kitchen, The X Pot, or Mizumi. Get wacky at a themed restaurant like Heart Attack Grill. Or keep it low-key with our favorite food at Evel Pie.
The Last Bite
RollerCon is truly a choose-your-own adventure with endless possibilities. Here are our final tips for a great experience.
Plan Ahead: Passes go on sale in November/December of the prior year. If you want to get a discount, purchase early. Pick a hotel and find a roommate early. If your friends have all booked, check the RollerCon Ride & Room Shares Facebook Group. Most importantly, if you plan to take MVP classes, pick your top classes and be ready to sign up as soon as sign-ups open on the VORC site (see RollerCon website for details and instructions). Make a schedule of your classes on the RollerCon app, put a reminder in your phone for confirmed classes, and arrive early to classes you couldn’t reserve, but want to attend.
Skater Experience: Classes have varied skill levels. RollerCon is great for skaters at any level.
Audit Classes: When you’re too tired to skate or a class you want to take is full, ask to audit the class off-skates. Go and take notes and videos.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled: It’s hot, you’re working hard, and your liver is working harder. Drink extra water and electrolytes, and eat plenty of food and protein.
Have FUN: RollerCon is a fantastic bonding experience with your friends and teammates, and each experience will create lasting memories. Remember to pause and take it all in. Take a few pictures too!
Post-Convention Resources: Make sure to join the RollerCon Class Notes group on Facebook. Skaters and instructors share notes, lesson plans, and videos there. You might find a recording of that class you couldn’t attend.
