Women’s flat track roller derby is gaining popularity and growing by the day. In the tri-state area, the Black-n-Bluegrass women’s roller derby team has come back to Northern Kentucky for its 20th season. Home bouts for the fall 2026 season are scheduled for September 26, October 17 and November 7. They are held in the Amory at 6 p.m., and tickets can be purchased in advance online at black-n-bluegrass.com.
According to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the basic game is played with two 15-skater teams in two 30-minute periods. Each period consists of multiple “jams.” Each jam is an opportunity for both teams to score points and ends after two minutes or when the Lead Jammer calls off the jam. Drama for spectators comes into play when skaters block opponents with their hips, rear or shoulders, although illegal blocks, trips, elbows or back talk result in a penalty where the player sits out for 30 seconds as the team continues to play.
For interested kids, the Black-n-Bluegrass Junior Roller Derby (black-n-bluegrass.com/bbjrd) started in 2014 to offer roller derby as an open-gender league for kids ages 7 to 17. Kids learn the sport, including speed, strategy and teamwork. All skill levels are welcome. The fall session runs September through the end of November with practices Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Armory.
950 S. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY | black-n-bluegrass.com
