Since 2015, the Queen City Roller Derby has called the Buffalo RiverWorks Event Center its home. Located along the waterfront on Ganson Street, RiverWorks is one of the Buffalo Brewery District’s newest offerings, providing their own growing mix of hospitality and entertainment.
Buffalo RiverWorks is an adaptive reuse of the former GLF grain mill operation and serves as a multi-purpose recreational and events center. The 60,000 square foot indoor event center features multiple bars and restaurants, a 5,000 person concert venue, a 1,500 person banquet facility, and space for trade shows, corporate events, and conventions. The 50,000 square foot covered outdoor ice rinks serve as a venue for ice hockey, roller hockey (in summer), box lacrosse, and curling leagues. Future plans include an additional on-site brewery (from the folks behind the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery), as well as a beer garden in the ruins of former grain silos, and the waterfront docks for recreational boaters. All of this is located a mere half mile from Keybank Center and Canalside, along the Buffalo River.
QCRD’s magic words for the RiverWorks venue: purpose built roller derby facility. Portions of the venue are designed with our sport in mind, ensuring a top-flight venue for games, practices, and tournaments. This is an extremely unique circumstance within our sport — most leagues use spaces like roller rinks, basketball/hockey arenas, and convention spaces for their bouts. While functional, none of these options can provide an ideal viewing experience for spectators. RiverWorks gives us the opportunity to provide the best experience possible to our dedicated fans. It also enabled us to move to the city, ensuring QCRD will play within the Queen City, and are actively participating in the overall revitalization occurring downtown.
If you’d like the chance to see us play games at this terrific venue, you can see a list of our upcoming games or Buy Tickets Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you play games?
We primarily have bouts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
How has the fan experience changed at RiverWorks?
As a full-service entertainment venue, RiverWorks provides our fans dramatically expanded parking options, expanded seating, improved views of the track, more food and concession options, live music, and other improved accommodations (such as more restrooms).
Where is Buffalo RiverWorks?
Buffalo RiverWorks is located at 339 Ganson St., accessible via the the Michigan St. Bridge or from the south via Ohio St. It is directly across the Buffalo River from River Fest Park.
Where does QCRD practice?
We spend most of our practice and scrimmage time at RiverWorks. These practices are open to spectators and fans, so you are able to see the effort our skaters put into improving their skills!
What did this change mean for the league and its skaters?
For our skaters, it provides expanded opportunities for practice time (between practices at RiverWorks and at Rainbow Rink) as well as improved accommodations such as multiple locker rooms and a permanent track.
What sort of Roller Derby accommodations are available at RiverWorks?
In terms of tracks, there is primary track indoors which features permanent line markings on the floor. In addition, during summer months the two outdoor (covered) ice rinks can be used as additional space. The facility also features 5 locker rooms (4 for players, 1 for officials).
What is the track surface?
Polished concrete, with the track actually permanently surfaced; leveled, colored and textured to our specifications.