Our History
Roller derby was introduced to the Queen City in 2006 shortly after a few local women were made aware of the sport. After researching online and learning of its resurgence, they posted flyers in their neighborhoods to gauge interest. The response was immediate and the Charlotte Roller Girls (CLTRG) women’s flat track roller derby league was formed.
The group found a practice venue and began honing their skills. Some had skating experience, but most were novices. Classes and seminars were held to accelerate their progress. Within a few months, enough women had joined to allow them to compete. On September 2, 2007, CLTRG faced the Palmetto State Rollergirls in its first bout. Despite suffering a loss, the league’s spirit and determination was not dampened. A total of five bouts were held in 2007 and CLTRG closed out its first season with a 2-3 record.
After competing on the road in 2007, the league was ready to host its first home bout. On January 27, 2008, CLTRG took on the Columbia Quadsquad. The bout was held at Bojangles’ Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina and the reception was outstanding. A crowd of 1,000 was anticipated yet 2,170 enthusiastic fans attended. The attendance that night was one of the largest in the sport’s modern history. Roller derby had arrived in Charlotte.
In 2008, CLTRG experienced incredible growth. League membership tripled and home bouts enjoyed an average attendance of 1,400 fans, well above the national average. It also expanded to include two intra-league teams, the Block’em Sock’em Rollers and the Cockpit Candies. These teams were specifically created to compete against other CLTRG intra-league teams. CLTRG ended the season with an interleague record of 6-3.
League growth continued in 2009. For interleague competition, CLTRG formed two teams - All-Stars and B Dazzlers. A third intra-league team, the Fraid Knots, was also formed.
CLTRG enjoyed its first sold event in 2009 and bouted in front of near capacity crowds at the remainder of its home events. It continues to have has one of the largest fan followings in the nation. The All-Stars ended the season with record of 4-2, while the B Dazzlers finished with a 1-5 record.
