The inaugural Roller Derby Double Header is 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

Four roller derby teams are participating in the event. The first bout is a matchup between the Chemical Valley Roller Girls of Charleston and the Ohio Valley Roller Girls of Martins Ferry, Ohio. Directly following is a matchup between the Jewel City Roller Girls of Huntington and the Appalachian Hell Betties of Athens, Ohio.

Victoria “V Bomb” Hodge said she has been skating with the Jewel City Roller Girls for about a year and a half.

“I’ve always been a pretty big sports person,” Hodge said. “Now that high school is over with, I didn’t have much else to do. I like contact sports and roller skating, so it really worked out.”

Hodge said she is looking forward to the matchup with the Appalachian Hell Betties because the two teams have a connection.

“We have a really great relationship with this team,” Hodge said. “We usually choose them to do any off-season scrimmages, and we hang out when we get the chance.”

Hodge encourages members of the Huntington community to come learn what roller derby is about.

“Roller Derby has changed a lot over the years,” Hodge said. “It’s not the same theatrical sport it was in the ‘70s. If you enjoy anything exhilarating, this is something you would enjoy. It’s very empowering.”

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids ages 2-11 are $8. Student discounts will be available with proper identification. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Box Office.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Sofie Wachtmeister can be contacted at [email protected].