By Esther Sanchez
After several years of struggling for a facility to practice and host bouts against other teams, the Coachella Valley Derby girls have finally established themselves a top-notch home-base and they have big plans from here on.
“Founded in 2012 by a small group of determined local women, The Coachella Valley Derby Girls (CVDG) has grown into a strong, full roster team of certified derby girls. Roller derby is the fastest growing women’s sport in the world with the WFTDA championships broadcast on ESPN this year and might even become an Olympic sport! Now there will be women’s flat track roller derby action right here in the desert with CVDG hosting their season opener at the iconic Empire Polo Grounds.”
-CVDG PRESS RELEASE-
For those of you who are familiar with roller derby from its heyday in the past, you might know it as more of a theatrical spectacle of sorts, akin to professional wrestling. Nikki “Hitzcarraldo”Gordon who had never even heard of the sport, (much less seen Whip It, the Drew Barrymore flick that sparked new interest in the vintage sport) has been a member of the team for about a year now. Gordon: “One of the fundamental changes over the years is that roller derby is much less focused on theatrics and has become more of a sport to be taken seriously.”
Roller derby girls are still known for their trademark fearlessness. Being a tough chick is pretty much a requirement because it is a rough sport and injuries can and do happen. That said, it is pretty thrilling to watch. With their new home at the Empire Polo Grounds, CVDGs will be hosting multiple bouts throughout the year against opposing teams from throughout the southwest. The first event will be Saturday, March 25th at 5:00 pm.
Tickets are $10 at the door, $7 online at Brown Paper Tickets. Kids under 12 are free.
The team will be hosting an after-party immediately after the event at the Tackroom Tavern that is open to anyone interested in joining them.
By chance, a gentleman named Dick Holway who is a legendary announcer from the golden era of roller derby is now a desert local. Holway broadcasted the beloved “Roller Games” with the notorious Los Angeles T-Birds in the 1970’s and 1980’s and is coming out of retirement to bring another fantastic element to what the CVDGs have to offer.
For more info on upcoming bouts and all things CVDG, like them on facebook facebook.com/CVDesertDerbyGirls or check out www.cvderbygirls.com
