BY: AZ DERBY DAMES

5 teams for $5! The 2008 AZ Derby Dames season kicks off Sat, Jan 26 with an exhibition mini-tournament featuring all five roller derby teams at Castle Sports Club in Phoenix, including new team the Runaway Brides.

The state's largest and still fastest growing all-girl Roller Derby League, the AZ Derby Dames, are back for the kick off of their third big season. In November the Brutal Beauties prevailed once again as AZ Derby Dames champions for the second year in a row with an undefeated season. Now the Derby Dames are preparing for their biggest season yet. With the addition of their fifth and newest team, the Runaway Brides, AZDD are planning an action-packed 2008 that will features two bouts in one night throughout their regular season. That's four teams skating for the same low-ticket price of $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Double the roller derby for the lowest price in Arizona with an unprecedented number of women and teams making up the league!

The Dames will begin on Sat., Jan. 26 with an exhibition mini-tournament featuring all five AZ Derby Dames teams in a single elimination event of four 10-minute bouts. With seeding dictated by ranking in the 2007 season, the night will begin with The Brutal Beauties battling The Coffin Draggers in a re-match of the 2007 season championship. The winner goes on to bout with The Bombshells, 2007's third place team. 2007's fourth place Schoolyard Scrappers will take on the winner of the second bout, with the winner of that game going on to play the newest AZ Derby Dames team, The Runaway Brides, in their debut. The Runaway Brides are captained and co-captained by former Coffin Draggers Ann Thrash and Dirty Martini.  

Between each match-up, don't miss the fun mini-events that the AZ Derby Dames have planned. There will be kids Heelie races, Fresh Meat musical chairs with our brand-new Derby Dames, and "Drag" Races featuring the eight Roller Derby "Queens" led by Miss Phoenix Gay Pride, Afeelya Bunz. To add to the festivities AZ Derby Dames merchandise featuring logos and images of your favorite teams and skaters will be on sale. Raffles will be held for derby goodie bags. This will be a family event. And after the game follow the Dames to their official Party venue, Hazelwood's First Place Bar and Grill, on Indian School just east of 36th Street.

The Castle Sports Club is located at 11420 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85029-3604 (602-331-2582). Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the bout starting at 8 p.m. Tickets will be $5 the night of the bout for this specially priced event and are available at any Bookmans location. EMTs and children under 12 receive free admission.