The history of roller derby traces the evolution of roller skating races into a unique sport which underwent several boom-and-bust cycles throughout the 20th century.

Roller Derby thrived in Northern California in the 1960s and 70s. The Bay Bombers, formed in 1954, became the team of choice, and the rest is history. Under Seltzer, the Roller Derby survived until its last official game in 1973.

The national road tour is where all the money is made as the constant promotion for live games sells out arenas everywhere. Derby also operates in the Northwest & Mexico during the early 60s and returns to New York City in 1965 during its national tour. 1961-1973

During live games from '60 thru 1985, Kunzelman was the first exposure fans had to the sport from his welcome, to hawking programs and souvenirs, encouraging fans to purchase tickets to Derby's next game, while calling the action on the track, always making each skater, the rookie to biggest star, shine.

2024年1月17日 · Roller Derby blossomed in the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the advent of televised events. In 1949, Roller Derby aired on local television stations in New York for the first time, attracting millions of viewers who were captivated by the sport’s dynamic display of athleticism and competition.

Roller Derby memoirs from Roller Derby stars. Roller Derby history by former skaters. Updates and information on Roller Derby skaters past and present.

2015年1月6日 · The term “roller derby” dates back to the 1920s and originally described roller skate races with both men and women competing. In the mid 1930s, Chicago sports promoter Leo Seltzer created a touring competition, the Transcontinental Roller Derby, which began to evolve from simply racing to a more physical competition emphasizing skater ...

2020年8月5日 · Roller Derby's big break came on November 29, 1948 when the Derby was televised nationally by CBS. Soon entire families were watching, and the sport's major players were becoming household names. Bay City Bombers star Joanie Weston (known as The Blonde Amazon) was to '60s Roller Derby what Hulk Hogan was to professional wrestling in the '80s.

In 1969, television viewership of Roller Derby peaked with approximately 15 million viewers each week. Two other developments in 1960s Roller Derby were profit sharing and annual contracts for skaters; many skaters previously held day jobs to supplement their income, or were only employed as athletes for part of the year.

The history of roller derby traces the evolution of roller skating races into a unique sport which has undergone several boom-and-bust cycles throughout most of the 20th century. Although it was a form of sports entertainment for much of its existence, a grassroots, early 21st century revival...