» Houston Roller Derby

January 2005 saw the rise in Houston of women's genuine flat track roller derby. Run for the skaters by the skaters, Houston Roller Derby (HRD), a league consisting of four teams (Burlesque Brawlers, Psych Ward Sirens, Machete Betties and Bayou City Bosses), was inspired by the nation-wide revival of roller derby as an athletic sport.

The women of HRD spent the year of 2005 training hard, participating in public events such as the Houston Art Car Parade as well as charity events such as the AIDS Walk, hosting fund-raising car washes, and karaoke nights. Their dedication culminated in their first public exhibition bout, Derby de Las Muertas on October 22nd, 2005.

Shortly after its regular season, Houston Roller Derby hosted an exhibition bout at the Verizon, Southern Brawl on October 1, 2006. Houston challenged the Dallas Derby Devils to a rematch—their all-star team against ours and to make it interesting their undefeated championship team, the High Seas Hotties against the undefeated Psych Ward Sirens. Houston Roller Derby came out on top, winning both bouts.

HRD is now in the midst of its second season in its new home at the Verizon Wireless Theater in downtown. Houston.