Dead River Derby returns to Lakeview Arena

MARQUETTE — The Dead River Derby team are set to hold down the fort for their first home game Saturday night at Lakeview Arena.

Roller derby is a full contact sport where are scored by the amount of times you can get by the defenders. Team captain Glory Sparks says the action gets very physical, but of course, within reason.

“Roller derby has a very long rulebook, which means there are legal target and legal hitting zones. No elbows, no face–punching, no hair–pulling. It’s got to be all on the up and up. But it is full contact with not much padding so there’s lot of action going on,” Sparks said.

The team has been around since 2012, traveling all over the Midwest playing other teams. On Saturday, they will take on the Chippewa Valley Roller Girls and they’re hoping that a big crowd shows up to cheer them on.

“It is Armed Forced Day and so in honor of armed forces, all of our active military and retired military and veterans all get in free. We’re hoping to pack this place and really have a great showing for our first bout. U.P. Pink Power is our first beneficiary so all ticket sales do go towards them. We’re hoping to get extra bodies in the door to make that a wonderful event for them as well,” said Sparks.

The bout will start at 6 p.m. but doors will open at 5. Tickets are $8 in purchased in advanced online at brownpapertickets.com, or $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free.