The Doll Factory

The Los Angeles Derby Dolls, LA’s all-female roller derby league, is an institution, as well as a frightening display of athletic prowess. The players’ fishnets and booty shorts may add to the spectacle of the event, but don’t let those cutesy outfits fool you—these women play fists-out, full-contact derby. The league’s home base is the New Derby Doll Factory, located on the Eastside, which houses its “banked track”; that means the outer rim of the track is elevated allowing for soaring speeds and, when things go awry, serious bloodshed. With help from a DJ blasting rock in between matches, as well as some spirited announcers, the mood in the venue stays amped at all times. The Doll Factory also provides a wide variety of food from some of LA’s best food trucks, and plenty of stands selling booze.  (All ages. Children 10 and under free.)