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Is Houston the Ultimate Sports City? Unleashing the Spirit of Sports in the Bayou City!
Welcome to the heart of sports passion, where Houston stands tall as a city united by its love for sports events. From the roar of the crowd at the Houston Champion Astros Baseball games to the electrifying atmosphere of the Houston Texans' football matches, this city embraces sports with unyielding enthusiasm. But it's not just about the big leagues; Houston's sports landscape also shines brightly with women's teams like the Houston Dash, making waves in professional soccer, and the Houston Cougars Women's Basketball team, a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. Join us on a thrilling journey as we explore the diverse and exciting world of sports in the bustling metropolis of Houston.
Houston truly is a sports-loving city with a diverse range of sports teams and leagues, catering to both men and women. Here's an overview of the various sports teams in Houston:
Houston Astros (Baseball): The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team and have a strong fan base in Houston. They won their first World Series championship in 2017 and have consistently been competitive in the league.
Houston Texans (Football): The Houston Texans represent the city in the National Football League (NFL). They were established in 2002 and have been a source of excitement and passion for football fans in Houston.
Houston Rockets (Basketball): The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team has had a storied history, with notable players and moments in the league.
Houston Dynamo: a professional soccer team based in Houston, Texas, USA. They are a member of Major League Soccer (MLS) and were established in 2005. The team plays its home games at BBVA; which is now PNC Stadium and has a passionate fan base known as the "Texian Army." Throughout their history, the Dynamo have experienced success, winning multiple MLS Cup championships and showing their competitiveness in the league.
...and the ladies even have sports teams too!
Houston Dash (Women's Soccer): The Houston Dash is a women's professional soccer team competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Although they haven't won a championship yet, their presence has contributed to the growth of women's soccer in Houston.
Houston Cougars Women's Basketball: Representing the University of Houston, the Cougars women's basketball team competes in the NCAA's Big 12 Conference. Their success includes winning the national championship in 1994 and reaching the Final Four multiple times.
Houston Energy (Women's Football): The Houston Energy women's football team was founded in 2000. They are a member of the Women's Football Alliance (WFA), which is the longest-running, and most competitive women's tackle football league in the world. They have also made the playoffs every year since 2000. The team plays their home games at Pearland Stadium, the football stadium on the campus of Pearland High School in nearby Pearland. They are a great example of how women's football is growing in popularity in the United States.
Houston Roller Derby: Roller derby has gained popularity in Houston, with several leagues offering thrilling competitions. The Houston Roller Derby, part of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), has been successful since its establishment in 2006. Additionally, other roller derby leagues, such as Northside Fury Roller Derby, contribute to the city's vibrant roller derby community.
Let's talk Derby for a minute:
The Greater Houston Roller Derby: includes various leagues such as:
These leagues offer diverse roller derby experiences across different areas in and around Houston.
Houston's sports scene is undoubtedly dynamic and rich, providing a multitude of opportunities for sports enthusiasts to engage, support their teams, and experience the thrill of live sports events. From baseball to football, basketball to women's soccer, and the exciting world of roller derby, Houston has something to offer to every sports lover.
I, myself was in Roller Derby for a couple of years. It is a rough sport, but can also be a good stress relief, and a way to get fit. The practice regimen is strict, sometimes spending 3 or 4 days just practicing. These leagues are funded by donations mostly. The motto is "For the skater, by the skater", they are not funded the same way that major sports teams are funded because they were a 501 3c. There are volunteers that help keep the show going. With all of that being said, Roller derby was a great experience for me. It's fun, and at bouts (that is a roller derby game), the entire crowd is on edge to cheer for their favorite team! It's definitely something everyone should go experience. I'll put a video below so you can see and understand this intense game for yourself! Maybe you will even decide to go and see a bout when they are playing! Maybe even make you curious or jealous enough to go lace up and start playing yourself.
If you don't know how to skate, or maybe a little rusty, you don't have to cold turkey try out, they offer skating classes in most leagues and an opportunity to start on "B" team and move up to "A" team!
The wickedly skilled Pippa #575 from Cmax Roller Derby League explains Roller Derby rules from track to target zones. If someone says 'derby' and you say 'Whip It?' then this video will give you a better idea of what the fastest growing women's sport is all about.
Death by Chocolate jams against Scarlet O'Hurtya at the Houston Roller Derby Masquerade bout
Since organizing in 2005, Houston Roller Derby has grown into a league of more than 120 skaters that sells about 1,400 tickets for each bout. The season runs from March through September at Revention Music Center (formerly called Bayou Music Center) at 520 Texas Avenue in Houston.
You might be wondering about the roller derby floor and the different types of roller derby tracks used in the sport. The two main types of tracks used in roller derby are banked track and flat track. Each type offers a unique playing experience, with distinct differences in gameplay and presentation.
Track Configuration:
Banked Track: Banked track roller derby is played on a sloped, oval track. The track is elevated along the edges, resembling a skateboard or velodrome track. The banking allows skaters to build up speed and use centrifugal force to maneuver through turns.
Flat Track: Flat track roller derby is played on a flat, oval-shaped track, typically a standard sports court or smooth surface. Without the elevated edges, skaters rely on their individual skating skills and agility to navigate turns.
Gameplay Dynamics:
Banked Track: Banked track roller derby is often known for its faster pace and more dramatic style. The angled track allows skaters to reach higher speeds, leading to more dynamic and high-energy gameplay. The steep curves also add an element of excitement and intensity to the sport.
Flat Track: Flat track roller derby tends to be more strategic and rule-focused. Skaters may not reach the same high speeds as in banked track derby, but the game emphasizes skill, agility, and coordinated team strategies. The flatter surface requires skaters to rely more on their technique and teamwork to outmaneuver opponents.
Availability and Portability:
Banked Track: Banked track roller derby requires a specific and often custom-built track, which can be costly and less accessible. As a result, banked track leagues and events are relatively fewer in number and tend to be more localized.
Flat Track: Flat track roller derby is much more accessible and versatile. It can be played on various flat surfaces, including sports courts, parking lots, and even skating rinks, making it easier for leagues to set up and host games and tournaments.
Safety and Injury Risk:
Banked Track: The steep angles of the banked track can increase the risk of skaters falling from greater heights, potentially leading to more severe injuries. Protective gear and safety precautions are crucial in banked track roller derby.
Flat Track: While not completely risk-free, flat track roller derby generally poses a lower risk of severe injuries due to the absence of steep inclines. Skaters still wear protective gear to minimize the chances of injuries.
In summary, banked track roller derby offers a more fast-paced, visually dramatic experience, while flat track roller derby is known for its strategic gameplay and widespread accessibility. Both types have their dedicated fan bases and contribute to the overall diversity and appeal of the sport of roller derby.
Banked Track
Banked Track
Flat Track
Flat Track
Now you might be curious if the tracks are the same size; the answer would be, not particularly. The dimensions of the tracks are not the same between banked track roller derby and flat track roller derby. The skating area and track layout differ significantly for each type.
Banked Track Roller Derby: The dimensions of a banked track roller derby are larger than those of a flat track. The track is typically a circular or oval shape with steeply sloped edges, often resembling a skateboard or velodrome track. The length and width of the track can vary, but the overall dimensions are larger to accommodate the banking. The increased surface area allows skaters to gain more speed and execute more dynamic maneuvers during gameplay.
Flat Track Roller Derby: Flat track roller derby takes place on a smaller, flatter, and more compact oval-shaped track. The dimensions are standardized to fit the confines of indoor sports courts or other suitable venues. The track typically measures around 100 feet in length by 50 feet in width, but these dimensions may vary slightly depending on the league or organization hosting the event.
What type of equipment do the skaters use in Roller derby?
A common misconception about Roller Derby is that it involves roller blades; however, in reality, Roller Derby is played using quad speed skates, also known as derby skates. These skates are specialized and not cheap, with varying branding options. The wheels used in Roller Derby are hard rink wheels, with an average hardness of 97A. Skaters may have preferences for slightly softer or harder wheels depending on the floor surface, as some rinks have sealed wooden floors, while others are slicker.
There are also different types of wheels used in Roller Derby. Outdoor wheels are softer (78A) and grippier, designed to absorb shock on rough pavement, whereas rink wheels do not perform well on outdoor surfaces. Additionally, rink wheels can be quite expensive. As for bearings, derby skaters typically use racing bearings to ensure smooth movement and speed.
In terms of protection, Roller Derby skaters prioritize safety with various types of gear. They use teeth protection, head protection (helmets), elbow and knee pads, and wrist protection. Some skaters may even opt for additional tailbone or hip protection to reduce the risk of injuries during gameplay.
Overall, the choice of equipment and protective gear in Roller Derby plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and performance of skaters on different surfaces and during intense gameplay.
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