Philly Roller Girls

Monthly local bouts through Aug. 27, $15-$30, various locations, phillyrollerderby.com.

by Kala Jamison

[ sports ]

The words "roller derby" conjure images of body slams, bruises and blood. But when the Philly Roller Girls rumble through their first series of home games, don't be fooled by the theatrics. Erica Vanstone, PRG ref and announcer, says while the audience will get some spectacle, the league strives to achieve honorable athleticism. "Modern derby capitalizes on the camp, but today there's an opportunity to grow," she says, pointing out that the implied violence is all in good fun, and fighting is forbidden. Good luck with that.

Monthly local bouts through Aug. 27, $15-$30, various locations, phillyrollerderby.com.