Des Moines Roller Derby is zipping on tracks and celebrating Corn Baby
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Des Moines Roller Derby competes against Skunk River. Photo: Mark Young, courtesy of Des Moines Roller Derby
Step aside, football — this Saturday, some of the highest-contact sports action is happening on roller skates.
The big picture: Des Moines Roller Derby is holding its first sanctioned bout since the pandemic — going up against the Peoria Prowlers at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
- Saturday's bout is part of a test run by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, which is considering an open division allowing all genders to compete, says president Heather Gibb, also known as "Dee Flesher."
State of play: Roller derby is a fast, full-contact sport where skaters zip around a track trying to help their "jammer" score points by lapping the other team.
- It's known for its wild energy and quirky flair, including creative nicknames and fun makeup and outfits.
Zoom in: Although roller derby has traditionally been female-dominated, Des Moines Roller Derby is an all-gender team, a growing trend in the sport.
The intrigue: Beyond the actual game, there's plenty of theatrics and humor behind derby, including nicknames for each person.
- "Dee Flesher" was inspired by Gibb's archeology studies, including examining animal remains at archeological sites.
- And Des Moines Roller Derby has its own peculiar mascot: Corn Baby, "a little anthropomorphic corn," Gibb says.
If you go: Doors open at 5pm, bout starts at 6pm on Saturday at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.
- Tickets are $15.
