Charlotte, N.C. (February 25, 2010) – On March 6, the Duke-Carolina rivalry, one of the most intense in all of sport, will carry on in Durham while a new one, the Charlotte-Carolina rivalry, will begin in the Queen City. For the first time in roller derby history, the Charlotte Roller Girls will take on the Raleigh-based Carolina Rollergirls in a bout that is sure to thrill any sports fan. This season opener is the first of seven home bouts on the 2010 Charlotte Roller Girls schedule.
Battling for Charlotte will be its All-Stars team while Carolina will send its Bootleggers squad. Led by captains Haley ‘Amy Fister’ Blaska and Rosemary ‘Rosie Cheeks’ Gardner, Charlotte has been looking forward to the day these two leagues would bout for a long time.
“This is my fourth season with Charlotte and we’ve been talking about bouting Carolina since I joined,” said Blaska. “At first, we needed some time to establish ourselves and then scheduling issues kept it from happening. We are glad it worked out for 2010.”
Despite not having faced off in a bout, these two leagues are very familiar with each other’s abilities. On multiple occasions, players from both leagues have traveled to see the other compete.
“We’ve been to several Carolina bouts watching and learning,” continued Blaska. “Just this past weekend, the All-Stars went to Raleigh for a scrimmage-a- thon (roller derby’s version of a pickup game). We skated against a few of the Bootleggers so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.”
All Charlotte Roller Girls home bouts are held at the Grady Cole Center and begin at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Last season’s home opener sold out. Fans wanting to attend are urged to purchase tickets in advance.
“As the popularity of roller derby grows in Charlotte, so does the demand for tickets,” said Charlotte Roller Girls vice president Linda Sewell. “There is only one way to be sure that you will get in. Buy your ticket now. This night is a sport fans dream. Roller derby at 6 followed by watching the game at our after party at Morehead Street Tavern. Our bout will be finished in plenty of time to see the tip off.”
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 here, or in person at Sleepy Poet Antique Mall and The Common Market. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The Grady Cole Center is located at 310 N. Kings Drive. Access to the official after party, held at Morehead Street Tavern, 300 E. Morehead Street, is included with the purchase of every adult ticket.
