NEW ORLEANS – Big Easy Roller Derby (BERD) will open its 20th competitive season of flat-track roller derby with a double header event on Saturday, May 2.
The event will take place at the BERD warehouse, located at 3632 Desire Pkwy.
During this event, BERD will face River City Roller Derby out of Richmond, Virginia. BERD’s AllStars will face River City’s A-team at 5 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. game between BERD’s Second Line team and River City’s B-team.
“We’re excited to be taking the track once again, this year to celebrate 20 years of bringing flat-track roller derby to the New Orleans area,” said Aaron “PR Mageddon” Looney, the league’s announcer and public relations representative. “BERD offers an athletic, inclusive, competitive and affordable family friendly entertainment option.”
Originally formed as Big Easy Rollergirls in 2004, the league began holding practices in 2005 before Hurricane Katrina’s impact left the league’s members scattered and – much like the city it calls home – had to rebuild. Practices resumed in 2006 and its first official game was held on Sept. 17, 2006, at Mardi Gras World. Through this rebuild, the team adopted the motto “We Skate Through Hell and High Water.”
Now, 20 years on from its formation, the league continues to be a longstanding sports league and event option for the New Orleans Metro area. The league has endured through the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the COVID 19 pandemic shutdown, having grown to feature two teams – the AllStars and Second Line. The league also works with multiple area charities and non-profit organizations to assist in their efforts.
Evolving with the times and the sport, 2022 saw the league rebrand itself as Big Easy Roller Derby to recognize the inclusive nature of the New Orleans community, the league and the sport of roller derby itself.
“This league is a reflection of our community, and we’re proud to represent New Orleans on this stage,” said Looney. “We’d love the community to come out on May 2 to support a league that has been a staple in the NOLA community for two decades strong.”
Admission is available for both games with a suggested donation of $10 at the door. Concessions and league merchandise will also be available for purchase.
To learn more about Big Easy Roller Derby, visit www.bigeasyrollerderby.com or follow Big Easy Roller Derby on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.