River City Roller Derby has been presenting flat-track roller derby competitions here in Richmond for over a decade now, but the last couple of years were tough; just as the pandemic basically shut down live music for a year and a half, RCRD lost two seasons of competition to quarantine restrictions and COVID safety protocols. Luckily for us all, they’re back in action this year, and they’ve made up for lost time with a highly active 2022 season.
With Halloween fast approaching, RCRD got into the spirit with an event at Midlothian’s Shooters Indoor Sportsplex last Saturday called Werewolves v. Vampires. Not the usual squad by any means, but a perfect opportunity for those of the appropriate age to remember their Team Edward/Team Jacob loyalties of past eras to reignite their rivalry in a (slightly) more grown-up fashion. There was a costume contest at halftime, too, but RVA Mag contributing photographer Steven King (no, not THAT Stephen King… he doesn’t even spell it the same way) focused his camera lens on the on-track action. Here are his photos of the event — check ’em out:
River City Roller Derby doesn’t have any future matches scheduled at the moment — it is, after all, the end of the year, and things are winding down. However, they are holding a fundraiser on Saturday, November 19 from 9 am to 1 pm at SB’s Lakeside Love Shack, located at 6935 Lakeside Ave in… you guessed it: Lakeside. There’ll be roller derby-themed food and drinks, merch for sale, and some RCRD skaters on hand to spread the love. Check it out if you’re so inclined, and help RCRD get set for the 2023 season in proper fashion.
Written by Marilyn Drew Necci, Photos by Steven King (@mindbend3r83)