On a cold Saturday night at the height of football season, crowds have gathered at the Stadium Armory in Washington, D.C. for a double-header game of another pastime. It’s roller derby, and women across the country are embracing this NASCAR-meets-hockey-like sport with new fervor. Crowds of all ages and genders flood the floor around the three-track ring in the center of the stadium, cheering and goading as the DC Rollergirls battle it out for a win.

The teams are dressed in helmets and knee pads above their short-skirt uniforms. It’s matter of function, though, the only titillation audiences get here is the thrill of watching the opposition get bumped. When they fall into the sidelines, the stadium roars.

Roller derby has been around since the 1930’s, but has taken off recently as a sport dominated by women. Teams are forming all over the United States and nearly anyone can try out. Some teams are co-ed, but most are for women only. Regardless, there are loyal fans of both genders who regularly attend local games. And because the sport is still growing, ticket prices and merchandise are still reasonable. Cheap seats at a baseball game can be as much as $40, but on my recent trip to see the DC Rollergirls in action, I broke no more than $20.

Furthermore, as a diversion from the nightclub scene or the usual dinner and a movie for a family or a first date, roller derby is a good choice. Even those who are not much into sports will find seeing at least one game a rousing adventure.

Contact one of these MidAtlantic teams for more information about game times and schedules:

DC Rollergirls
Mason Dixon Roller Vixens
Suburbia Roller Derby
Central Roller Derby