City Hall on Wheels

This could be the most interesting season opener ever. There are a lot of veteran names stepping down, plus some surprising drafts (it will be a little weird getting used to seeing long-time Honky Tonk Heartbreaker and powerhouse blocker Belle Starr ["With two R's"] in the purple of a Hustler), and a lot of new blood in the rookie pool.

Many of the newbies are veterans of the Rec-N-Rollerderby league, whose first 2010 regular season has already started. They are still taking applications for their May primer course and, according to the league, they're already looking at record numbers of skaters.

As for this weekend, the round robin means everyone gets a little track time, and everyone get a shot at matching their skills against everyone else. As last season's opener proved, the round robin isn't a perfect predictor of the final season results, but it gives some good clues to who the real impact players might be.

Leffingwell won't be the only big name at Playland this season (a certain police chief confirmed a few weeks ago that he might be bringing his own whistle to start a bout later in the year.)

Here's the full press release:

MAYOR LEFFINGWELL TO BE OFFICIAL WHISTLEBLOWER AT TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS SEASON OPENER

Fulfilling a promise he made to the Texas Rollergirls after their second place finish in the WFTDA National Championship, Mayor Lee Leffingwell will be the first official whistleblower for their season opener this Sunday February 28th.

Revered around the globe as the godmothers of the modern roller derby movement, the Texas Rollergirls have just come off a banner season.

“We are really honored by Major Leffingwell’s presence at the inaugural bout of the season. Combined with the recent announcement of dedicated practice spaces at our city parks, this marks a point of evolution of our sport and with support from the mayor’s office; we’re hoping to take roller derby to another level.” Bloody Mary, a skater for the TXRG Hotrods and the all-star Texecutioners.

Formed in 2003 as the only sports league of its kind, Texas Rollergirls started today's Flat Track Derby movement. There are now more than 300 Flat Track Derby leagues worldwide, with more forming every week. In its current incarnation, Roller Derby is an athletic competition complete with well-defined rules, divisions, tournaments, and a governing body: the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).

WHAT: Mayor Lee Leffingwell official whistleblower for Texas Rollergirls season opener
WHERE: Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive WHEN: Sunday, February 28th
Doors at 6:30pm.
Bout at 7:00pm
Tickets: $12 advance, $15 at the door
On sale at: txrollergirls.com, Playland, Rio Rita, and Cheapo Discs

As always, see you on turn two.