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Blue Ridge Roller Derby celebrates 20 years in Asheville

Blue Ridge Roller Derby celebrates 20 years in Asheville

Photo: Contributed/Blue Ridge Roller Derby


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Blue Ridge Roller Derby is turning 20, and the league is bringing the celebration back to the track in Asheville.

Blue Ridge Roller Derby will mark its 20th season with a full day of roller derby, skating and community festivities Saturday, Oct. 3, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville.

The celebration will feature an all-home-team “Old Skool” roller derby showdown involving the Black Balsam Batties, Copperhead Outlaws and The Swarm. The teams are named after wildlife found in Western North Carolina and will face off for an afternoon of competition and bragging rights.

Doors open at 11 a.m., with the first bout scheduled for noon. A second game is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by a third at 2 p.m.

All three teams will be introduced before the first game, followed by a leaguewide photo commemorating BRRD’s 20th season.

Each team will face both of its rivals during the afternoon.

The skating continues after the bouts.

Harrah’s will host a family open skate at 3 p.m., which also will serve as BRRD’s Alumni Celebration. Organizers are planning an unofficial “Mean Girls” after-party theme. An adult open skate will follow at 6 p.m.

The celebration then moves to Q-Hall, BRRD’s new official after-party sponsor and a women’s-sports-only bar, for a “Golden Girls”-themed after-after-party. Muumuus and cheesecake are encouraged.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Bridge Meals, a nonprofit that connects donors, restaurants and neighbors in need to build a sustainable, community-powered meal support network.

The event is supported by a number of local sponsors, including Animated Beauty Salon, Asheville Pet Supply, Asheville Print Company, Budgies Bakeshop, Doc Browns BBQ, Harvest Records, Henco Reprographics, Highland Brewing Company, Longevity Physical Therapy, Q-Hall and Whole Body Chiropractic.

Blue Ridge Roller Derby has spent two decades bringing roller derby to Western North Carolina. The Oct. 3 event will celebrate the league’s 20th season with competition, skating and activities for fans, skaters and alumni.

What: Blue Ridge Roller Derby 20th Year Celebration and Home-Team “Old Skool” Roller Derby Bout

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
  • Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville
  • Doors: 11 a.m.
  • First bout: Noon
  • Family open skate: 3 p.m.
  • Adult open skate: 6 p.m.

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