It’s a ritual unlike any other in sports. Conventional wisdom would suggest that staging an all-out civil war immediately before a season starts is not the best way to build camaraderie, establish chemistry or avoid injury in team competition. 

But roller derby isn’t your average sport, and the Classic City Rollergirls don’t mind talking a little trash or getting into each other's faces, especially before the season starts, as every skater competes for one of the 20 coveted spots on the team charter and, ultimately, the active roster of 14.  

With more than just bragging rights on the line, the annual intrasquad exhibition is always action-packed. “It’s a great opportunity to assess skaters, both new and old, to determine their physical ability, stamina and mental toughness—all the things that are so important when the season starts and the bouts really count,” says 2015 CCRG team captain Louis Strongarm.

When the dust settles and the victorious team proudly hoists the most excellent Parthenos trophy, rivalries evaporate pretty quickly, and both Green and Black set their sights on the afterparty and a long season ahead. Says veteran blocker Lolli-MaeHamm, “On Monday, we’ll all go back to practice.  It’s time to start thinking about rosters and rankings—time to get back to business.”

CCRG, fine stewardesses of the community that they are, will be donating a portion of Saturday's ticket proceeds to Children First, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, stable and nurturing living environments for children in times of family crisis.

WHAT: Green vs. Black Bout
WHERE: Classic Center
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $12 adv./$14 door (adults), $8 adv./$10 door (kids 6–12), FREE! (under 5)