Ben Martindale, Sports Editor
The Richmond Convention Center hosted the River City Roller Derby, this past weekend Sept. 19 to 20.
The event, which took place in Hall D, was full of families, spectators, vendors and competitors. Team mascots, including a person dressed in giant rat costume to represent the River City River Rats, kept energy high among the crowd.
Roller Derby is a contact sport where two teams skate around an oval shaped track in an attempt to score more points than the other. The teams score points during “jams.” A jam is when blockers from each team collide while “jammers,” who are often fast and agile players, attempt to get past the other team’s blockers to earn a point.
Despite the fierce competition, which can sometimes lead to big collisions that send competitors flying, River City Roller Derby prides itself on inclusivity and is a safe space for women and non-cis male competitors. Adding their own unique flair to the league, players opt to identify by alternate names when competing.
“Roller Derby, to me, is the only place, the only sport that centers diversity,” said River City River Rats competitor Dio Slamdo. “Whether that’s in race, gender, background, body type, having that kind of diversity, and seeing people like you, is really huge.”
This year’s event was made up of seven squads. The River City River Rats, Kill Devil Derby Brigade, API Fury, Patuxent Roller Derby, River City Riot, Orlando Ozone Slayers and the Virginia Vipers.
A group of vendors lined the wall selling everything from jewelry to derby themed apparel. Some vendors were making their first appearance at River City Roller Derby, while others have been involved with the event for years.
Sacred Roller Skate Supply, a Herndon-based full service skate shop that specializes in roller skates, has been involved with the Derby for five years now, according to vendor Katie McDonald.
“We’re here supporting the Derby,” said McDonald. “We help the teams get in gear, kitted from top to bottom. Also, any maintenance stuff that may pop up during tournament weekend. Also we’re just here with a bunch of cool accessories, like stickers, bandanas, you know, fun stuff for spectators.”
The final match of the 2026 River City Roller Derby season will take place on Nov. 5 at the Rollerdome in Williamsburg, VA.