U.S. Cellular Center to host roller derby playoffs September 2013 in Asheville

The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC), Blue Ridge Roller Girls (BRRG) and the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) are proud to announce that the U.S. Cellular Center, ExploreAsheville.com Arena will be the host of one of the 2013 WFTDA Playoff Tournaments, September 20-22, 2013.

The Asheville tournament is one of four Division 1 qualifying tournaments that will culminate in the WFTDA Championships that will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 8-10, 2013. The other playoff tournaments to be held in 2013 will be in Fort Wayne, IN, 9/6-8; Richmond, VA, 9/13-15; and Salem, OR, 9/27-29.

“The ABRSC is thrilled about the WFTDA’s decision to bring a 2013 WFTDA Playoff Tournament to Asheville, NC! We are strong supporters of the Blue Ridge Roller Girls and are very proud of their involvement in the Asheville community as well as the world of flat track roller derby, “ states Ben VanCamp, Executive Director, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. “This tournament will give local and traveling roller derby fans alike a chance to experience the great US Cellular Center facility as well as our beautiful city for a great
weekend of world-class roller derby.”

Asheville's very own roller derby league, the Blue Ridge Rollergirls were inducted into the WFTDA as new members in March of this year after graduating the WFTDA Apprentice Program. The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are composed of two teams, the All-Star Travel Team and the French Broads, the BRRG's B team. The league fosters community outreach and gives a portion of their bout proceeds to many Western North Carolina charities.

“The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are honored to be chosen as the host league for WFTDA playoffs. We are confident that this three-day event will greatly benefit the City of Asheville, as well as our league,”says Crystal Buckner aka Cussed'em Chop Her, President, Blue Ridge Rollergirls. “We have made significant strives in becoming a stronger, more competitive league and are excited to represent Asheville while both hosting and hopefully playing in this tournament.”