The Sulphur City Steam Rollers have been the driving force behind Slam Rock, their marquee roller derby event held at the Southern Trust Sportsdrome since 2014. With limited venue availability in Rotorua, the Sulphur City Steam Rollers team was determined to turn their home games into a captivating show for the general public. Slam Rock became just that – a must-see event. Approximately 70% of attendees are Rotorua locals; for many, Slam Rock is an annual event for their families. The Rotorua Trust has granted to the event, which has become a highlight in Rotorua’s sporting calendar. The event’s reach now extends to Australia, the USA, and Canada, putting New Zealand roller derby and Rotorua on the roller sports map.
The financial aspect hasn’t been the primary focus of Slam Rock, with its emphasis on exposure, entertainment, community spirit, and inspiration outweighing the financial benefits. The event, with its diverse audience, has become a safe space for the LGBTQAI+ community.
The event’s impact extends beyond entertainment, inspiring locals to explore roller sports and promoting community engagement. Roller sports not only provide a fun and exciting way to stay active, but they also foster a sense of community and teamwork. Extending from this is the Slamrock team’s inspiration to local people to try something new. Immediately following Slam Rock, they host ‘Open Nights’ and invite people to come along and put some skates on. These nights are packed with people aged 13 to 60, some committing to the sport, others “simply reliving their youth!”
