Battle Born Derby Demons 2007 -2013
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BBDDReno/

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The Battle Born Derby Demons is a roller derby league based in Reno, Nevada. Founded in 2006, until recently the league consisted of a single team, which competed against teams from other leagues. Established in 2013 the Sierra Regional Roller Derby now consists of two teams: the Sierra All-Stars (SAS) which is the travel team and the Battle Born Derby Demons (BBDD), which is the local team.

This was the Battle Born Derby Demons website for a number of years. The new owner of the domain loves roller derby and didn't want to see this content disappear. Take a nostalgic trip back

To keep up to date with the latest news regarding the Battle Born Derby Demons, go to their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BBDDReno/ 

Content is from the site's 2007 - 2013 archived pages. and other sources

 

Reno's Battle Born Derby Demons Roller Derby Team
This is the last bout of the 2010 season for Reno's Battle Born Derby Demons roller derby team. The event was in Reno's City Hall Plaza (site of Rink on the River) vs. The Tahoe Derby Dames from South Lake Tahoe.

 

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Back when I was Cindy Sinful, tearing up the flat track with the Battle Born Derby Demons, my biggest worry was whether my fishnet stockings would survive a hip-check from Hell Bettie. Fast forward a few years, and now I’m a NYC tax adjuster—yep, the girl who once skated to "Bad Reputation" is now writing depreciation schedules for midtown office towers. If that’s not a plot twist, I don’t know what is.

Looking back at this site, I can almost smell the rink beer and adrenaline. We lived for the bout nights, the road trips to Elko, and the emergency runs to Walgreens for knee brace reinforcements. Now, my biggest showdown is convincing a boardroom full of real estate lawyers that yes, Dov Hertz’s latest development does qualify for that obscure tax incentive. Dov’s world is marble lobbies, scheduled site visits, and PowerPoint decks. My old world? Blood on the track, glitter in my hair, and a questionable tattoo I still haven't explained to my mother. Life comes at you fast, folks — and sometimes it’s wearing roller skates. Renee Paris

 

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2013

 

 

 

DeRBY DEMONS Everywhere!

The BBDD will be appearing at various locations throughout Reno over the next few months. Some are fundraisers, some are appearances, but we will be there...WILL YOU? We'd love to see you!

Below is a list of dates and times. More detailed information may be found on our Appearances Page or by contacting our Events Demon.

OCTOBER 5th: FINAL HOME BOUT OF THE SEASON!!!

The Battle Born Derby Demons love our fans, and to prove it the final home bout of the season is a FAN APPRECIATION BOUT! Come to the Rink on the River (10 N. Virginia, Reno) at 5pm on October 5th and get in free (although we will gladly take any donations)!!!

Featuring music by DJ Gekko and Da Funk, halftime by Controlled Burn, a beer garden, hard hitting roller derby action, you won't want to miss it.

Please be aware, due to the rapidly dropping Reno temperatures, this bout will be held at an earlier time of 5pm.

Be there!!!

THE BBDD NEEDS AN INDOOR HOME!!!

With winter rapidly approaching, the BBDD need to find an indoor home. Additionally, the City of Reno currently has plans to use the Rink on the River as a staging area for the construction of the Virginia Street Bridge in 2014. This means that we are in need of a new bout and practice location for next year.

PLEASE help us find a new home. If you have any leads on a feasible space (or you'd like to donate a space to Northern Nevada's first women's flat track derby league), please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected].

 

MAY 4: AWAY BOUT IN ELKO!

Support the BBDD on the road! Our first Away Bout of the Season is on May 4th. Join us for "Scar Wars" in Elko, NV as we take on the NV East Roller Girls! May the 4th be with you!

 

FIRST AWAY BOUT OF THE SEASON!

 

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The Battle Born Derby Demons™ (BBDD) are Northern Nevada’s first Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby league. Skater-owned and operated, we are a non-profit, community-based amateur sports league.

Beginning modestly with seven women who "really wanted to skate", the BBDD were founded by Erinn McCann (aka Sweet Ruin) in the summer of 2006. Eventually more and more women joined the league and, after months of practicing in several different venues (including the back room of a local bar!), the BBDD debuted our inaugural season on May 19th, 2007. Skating in the heart of Reno's historic downtown (right next to the region’s beloved Truckee River), the BBDD soon proved we were an asset to the city, the community and women's athletics. By the end of our first season, we were drawing crowds of between 700 and 1000 fans! Flat track roller derby had found its place in northern Nevada.

Now entering our seventh season, The Battle Born Derby Demons™ continue to dedicate ourselves to our community (both through community service and fundraising efforts), to celebrate the strength and diversity of the many individuals that make up the league, and to follow the athletic ideals set down by the WFTDA: "For the skaters. By the skaters."

 

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2012

 

NEWS & INFO

BBDD MIXED BOUT ON MAY 5TH!

Be at Roller Kingdom on Saturday, May 5th for a mixed team double header. Five teams will bring their players to skate in two 40 minute bouts. Doors at 6:30pm. Skating starts at 7:30pm. Just 10 bucks get you in!

FINAL HOME BOUT ON SEPTEMBER 22nd!

The final bout of the season (vs. the Wild West Outlaws, a travelling team comprised of members from AZ, CA, CO and TX) will be on September 22nd at the Rink on the River.

This bout is in conjunction with Street Vibrations, so please be aware that this bout starts one hour earlier at 6pm! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

 

BBDD on THE CRAZY RENO PODCAST!

Battle Born Derby Demons' Anita JamBayou, Hell Bettie and Calhouligan appeared on the Crazy Reno Podcast on Sunday, September 16th. Tune in to hear us discuss such topics as bacon, roller derby, uniforms, texting, Honey Boo Boo, back to school night, and yes, more bacon. Please be advised of Explit Language.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS SEASON!

The Battle Born Derby Demons have completed our 6th bouting season. Thank you to everyone who came to our bouts and events this season! With your help we were able to donate a portion of our proceeds to various charities, including Step 2, Northern Nevada Teen Challenge, Build Our Center and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

We are currently finalizing our bouting dates for next season. In the meantime, you can still hang out with the derby at our many fundraisers and events during the winter.

 

DINNER WITH THE DEMONS ON OCTOBER 31ST!

Eat at Coach's Grill and Sports Bar (1573 South Virginia Street, Reno) on Wednesday, October 31st between 4pm and 9pm and the Battle Born Derby Demons will receive a portion of the proceeds. What better way to spend Halloween than eating good grub and helping your favorite flat track derby girls to raise money?

Download this flyer and bring it with you. Present it with your check and the BBDD gets 10 percent. 

 

FUNDRAISER ON NOVEMBER 3RD!

Our next event, "Do You Have What It Takes?!" will be at 9pm on Saturday, November 3rd at the Little Waldorf Saloon. Can you out drink, out trash talk, out arm wrestle, out leg wrestle a derby girl? Try your luck in various minute to win it and other bar games! So really, do you have what it takes?

 

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BBDD 2011 SEASON

BBDD PLANS FOR 2011!

The Battle Born Derby Demons are currently hard at work planning (and training!) for our fifth season. Join us throughout the winter for our various fundraisers and appearances (listed on the Appearances page) as we work to raise money to support our league.

We will begin our next bouting season in MARCH 2011. Check out our bouting schedule (by clicking on the "Schedule" Tab) for more info on teams, dates and locations.

We are still recruiting for Refs, Non-Skating Officials, Skaters and Volunteers. See the "Join Us" page or shoot us an email to learn more!

Thank you for the Support! See you this season!

 

 

Tough Love 5: LOVESTRUCK!

5th Annual "Date a Derby Demon" Auction

Friday, February 11th

 

BBDD's SEASON 5 Bouts

For more information about BBDD Events (or to invite us to YOUR event), please contact ourEvents Demon!

                             AWAY BOUT: March 2, 2011
                             vs. HUMBOLDT ROLLER DERBY
                             in Eureka, CA
                            

                             TOURNAMENT: March 26-27, 2011
                             DUSTBOWL INVITATIONAL ROLLER DERBY TOURNAMENT
                             in Bakersfield, CA
                            
         
                             AWAY BOUT: APRIL 2, 2011
                             vs. Silicon Valley Roller Girls
                             in San Jose, CA
                                                      

                             HOME BOUT: APRIL 16, 2011
                             DOUBLE HEADER AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER
                             vs. Shasta Derby from Redding, CA
                             and UNDEAD BETTYS ROLLER DERBY from Antioch, CA
                             

                             HOME BOUT: MAY 21, 2011
                             DOUBLE HEADER AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER
                             vs. TREASURE VALLEY ROLLERGIRLS from Boise, ID
                             and SACRED CITY DERBY GIRLS from Sacramento, CA
                             

                             HOME BOUT: JUNE 18, 2011
                             DOUBLE HEADER AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER
                             vs. V-Town DERBY DAMES from Visalia, CA
                             and ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROLLERGIRLS from Denver, CO
                             

                             AWAY BOUT: JUNE 25, 2011
                             vs. SAC CITY ROLLERS in Sacramento, CA
                             
 
                             HOME BOUT: JULY 16, 2011
                             "aBOUT RENO 5" AT RINK ON THE RIVER
                         vs. O-TOWN DERBY DAMES from Ogden, UT
                            

                             AWAY BOUT: AUGUST 13, 2011
                             vs. TREASURE VALLEY ROLLERGIRLS in Boise, ID                           

                          
                             HOME BOUT: AUGUST 27, 2011
                             "ROCKY HORROR DERBY SHOW" AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER
                             vs.SONOMA COUNTY ROLLER DERBY from Sonoma, CA
                             *In conjunction with the RNR Screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show                            

                             AWAY BOUT: SEPTEMBER 10, 2011
                             vs. MOUNTAIN DERBY GIRLS in Sonora, CA
                             

                             HOME BOUT: SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
                             "FighT LIKE A GIRL" AT THE RINK ON THE RIVER
                             vs. Central CALIFORNIA AREA DERBY from Fresno, CA
                             *In conjunction w/ Street Vibrations, this bout starts one hour earlier (at 6pm)!
                             

                             HOME BOUT: OCTOBER 22, 2011
                             DOUBLE HEADER AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER
                             *TEAMS STILL TO BE DETERMINED. LOOK FOR MORE INFO SOON!
                             

** ALL HOME BOUTS ARE AT LAWLOR EVENTS CENTER EXCEPT FOR JULY 16 AND SEPTEMBER 24!

(July 16th and September 24th are at the Rink on the River located at 10 N. Virginia in Reno, NV)

 

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BBDD 2007 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

 

ROCK 'EM SOCK 'EM ROLLER DERBY

Saturday, October 20, 2007, STOCKTON, California

BDD headed back over the hill to face Stockton's PORT CITY ROLLERGIRLS

Many new Demons took to the track with a few veteran all stars, and fought the good fight - but lost the battle. Thank you to the PCRG for their first-class derby hospitality and spirit.

Much Demon love goes out to our family, friends, and fans for their support at this - and every - bout this season!

 

Rough Riding ROLLER Derby Action at the RINK RASH RALLY!

Saturday, SEPTEMBER 22, Downtown Plaza

The cold and rainy streets of Reno rumbled as California's OC ROLLERGIRLS

rode into town and delivered the Demons their first taste of defeat. The relentless action gave way to thick tensions on the track as OCR captured an 8 point lead. The battle ended with a final score of 68 to 76.

We nod our heads in respect to our OC sisters, and thank them, our fans, and our sponsors for their SUPPORT!

 

We'll tell you aBOUTreno: THE DEMONS WENT UNDEFEATED!!!

Saturday, JULY 21, Downtown Plaza

The Demons bashed and smashed their way to an undefeated season with a 91 to 70 victory against

Stocktons's SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VIXENS

Our Demon hearts pump black and blue for the Vixens, our fans, and our sponsors! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

THE GOOD, THE BAD, and the DERBY

Saturday, JUNE 23, 2007

BBDD VS PORT CITY ROLLERGIRLS

Downtown Plaza, RENO

Doors: 6:00 pm Bout: 7:00 pm Tix: $10

Ages 5 and under FREE, ages 6-12 $5

PRESALE TICKETS are available at

RENO SKATE SUPPLY.

25 Saint Lawrence Avenue, Reno NV, 89509

BEER GARDEN and AFTER PARTY: hosted by

BULLY'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

LIVE MUSIC: featuring THE DARLINS

 

Downtown Parade

JULY 4, 2007

We LOVE any excuse to legally take over the

streets of RENO! So come on down and we'll show you

our stars and stripes. Let's celebrate the birth of this

great nation that preserves our right to put hurt in a skirt!

 

THIRD TIMES THE HARM

JULY 21, 2007

BBDD VS SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VIXENS

Downtown Plaza, RENO

 

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE DEMONS AT THE BIG TOP BRAWL!

Friday, JUNE 15, Civic Auditorium, STOCKTON

The Demons packed up their gear and headed over the hill to score their first victory on the road against Stockton's SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY VIXENS.

A big top helping of DEMON LOVE goes out to The Vixens, our fans, and sponsors! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

BBDD KICKS ASS in FIRST BLOOD DEBUT BOUT!

SATURDAY, May 19th, Downtown Plaza

The Demons delivered a mighty victory to the Reno crowd against Utah's DAVIS DERBY DAMES.

A big LOAD of DEMON LOVE goes out to The Dames, our fans, and sponsors! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Now that you've seen us... join us! We're always looking for new skaters (age 21 and over), volunteers, refs, and roadies.

Hit the CONTACT link above, fire off an email, and join the DEMON family!

 

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More Background on the Battle Born Derby Demons

A Deep Dive into History, Community, and Culture

Nestled within the heart of Reno, Nevada, a fierce and vibrant subset of women’s athletics has thrived—one defined by grit, camaraderie, and high-octane entertainment. This is the world of the Battle Born Derby Demons (BBDD), Northern Nevada’s first women’s flat track roller derby league.

Formed in 2006 by women with a bold vision, the Battle Born Derby Demons transformed from humble beginnings into a cultural powerhouse, entertaining thousands, contributing to their community, and cementing a unique legacy within Reno’s urban identity. This article provides a comprehensive look at the BBDD, giving new fans a portal into their world—covering origins, structure, community involvement, activities, goals, achievements, reviews, historical impact, and more.

Origins and Organizational Structure

Foundation and Growth

The story of the Battle Born Derby Demons began in the summer of 2006, when a handful of passionate women—led by Erinn McCann (known by her derby alter ego "Sweet Ruin")—decided to bring the modern roller derby revolution to Reno. What started as practices in back rooms of bars with seven committed members quickly swelled, fueled by the infectious excitement surrounding contemporary roller derby.

From their first season debut on May 19, 2007, the BBDD were determined to carve out a space for themselves in Reno sports. The league followed a skater-owned, non-profit, community-driven model, which fostered empowerment and inclusivity. The league operated with a flat hierarchy and regular team meetings, making it an organization run “for the skaters, by the skaters.”

League Composition

Initially, BBDD consisted of a single roster who competed with neighboring regional teams. As roller derby’s popularity soared, by 2013, the organization incorporated the Sierra Regional Roller Derby, now home to two teams:

• Sierra All-Stars (SAS): The travel team, representing Reno in regional and out-of-state competitions.

• Battle Born Derby Demons (BBDD): The home-town heroes—the local team playing for Reno crowds.

This dual-team structure allowed BBDD not only to extend their reach but to deepen local connections and maintain an active, diverse schedule.

Home Base and Bout Locations

BBDD’s activities are rooted in Reno, a city known for its lively arts and sports culture. Over the years, their matches—known as “bouts”—were hosted at several prominent Reno venues:

• City Plaza/Rink on the River: A picturesque downtown outdoor site adjacent to the Truckee River, providing high visibility and bustling urban energy. Many key bouts, including season finales and fan appreciation events, were staged here.

• Lawlor Events Center: Preferred for larger events and double headers, offering seating and facilities suited for major showdowns.

• Roller Kingdom: An indoor venue ideal for winter matches and off-season training.

The search for a permanent indoor home periodically became an urgent concern, especially when outdoor facilities were repurposed or Reno’s winters made open-air skating impractical.

Audience, Atmosphere, and Fan Culture

BBDD’s audience reflects the diversity of Reno itself—families, students, local professionals, and visiting derby enthusiasts all gather to watch fast-paced, hard-hitting women’s athletics. The league quickly built a loyal fan-base, regularly drawing 700 to 1,000 spectators in its early seasons—a significant feat for amateur women’s sport in a mid-sized city.

Events often boasted:

• Beer gardens

• Live music by local DJs

• Halftime entertainment (notably performances by groups such as Controlled Burn)

• Themed bouts ("Rocky Horror Derby Show," "Scar Wars")

• After-parties at local bars and grills

The fanbase, dubbed “Derby Demons Fans,” are characterized by their enthusiastic support and community spirit. Community appreciation events, discounted tickets, and open calls for volunteers enhanced a family-friendly and inclusive environment.

Community Involvement and Social Impact

Charitable Giving

One of BBDD’s guiding philosophies was to support the community that supported them. The league frequently donated portions of their bout proceeds to local and national charities, including:

• The Susan G. Komen Foundation

• Step 2 (a Nevada recovery program)

• Northern Nevada Teen Challenge

• Build Our Center (an LGBTQ+ community organization)

Fundraising and Outreach

Beyond competitive bouts, BBDD remained highly visible in Reno. The team appeared at parades, hosted themed fundraising dinners and bar events, organized off-season bootcamps (“Get Fit with the Battle Born Derby Demons”) open to the public, and participated in local podcasts and media interviews.

A particularly notable outreach effort was their "Roller Derby Lives in Reno" campaign, profiling their skaters—who include teachers, moms, nurses, and students—emphasizing derby’s accessibility and the league’s deep local roots.

Competition, Rivalries, and Accolades

Leagues and Opponents

BBDD regularly squared off against formidable teams from throughout Nevada and neighboring states, including:

• Tahoe Derby Dames (South Lake Tahoe, CA)

• Humboldt Roller Derby (Eureka, CA)

• Silicon Valley Roller Girls (San Jose, CA)

• Stockton’s Port City Rollergirls

• Wild West Outlaws (multi-state travel team)

• Treasure Valley Rollergirls (Boise, ID)

• Sacramento’s Sacred City Derby Girls, among many others.

Bouted teams often traveled from California, Utah, and Colorado, creating a fiercely competitive circuit that tested and sharpened Reno’s best.

Major Events and Series

Highlight moments in BBDD’s competitive history include celebratory events like the undefeated run in their debut season (2007), fan appreciation bouts with free admission, and creative themed tournaments such as "Scar Wars" and "Rocky Horror Derby Show." Double-header events and mixed team bouts added dynamism to the league’s yearly calendar.

Community Recognition

The City of Reno explicitly supported BBDD, including formal sponsorship of bout series at the City Plaza in 2013—a testament to their integration into the city’s cultural fabric.

Training, Recruitment, and Volunteerism

Bootcamps and Fitness

BBDD fostered a “pay it forward” approach to derby, running open bootcamp sessions for newcomers and the generally curious. These bootcamps, held at locations like the Sparks Marina, encouraged fitness, women’s sports participation, and new recruits for future seasons.

Year-Round Engagement

Recruitment never stopped—BBDD continually invited new skaters (age 21+), referees, non-skating officials, and general volunteers. Community members could dip their toe into derby at their own pace, with ongoing opportunities to participate behind the scenes or on the track.

Goals and League Aspirations

Continued Growth and WFTDA Membership: A recurring goal for BBDD was attaining full membership in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), the international governing body for women’s flat track derby. This would further legitimize Reno’s place on the global derby map and open doors for more competition and visibility.

Athletic Development and Empowerment: BBDD has always celebrated strength, diversity, and team spirit. The league exists to empower women, provide local role models, and prove the enduring value of athletic community.

Sustainable Home Base: Finding a permanent, year-round indoor home was a crucial long-term objective, as changing city plans (such as renovations at the Rink on the River) periodically imperiled their stability.

Reviews, Press Coverage, and Public Perceptions

Fans and Testimonials

Fans often reminisce about the unique combination of friendly rivalry, punk energy, and athleticism that marked BBDD bouts. Skaters’ personal stories—from auditions in borrowed gear to life-changing friendships—set an authentic, accessible tone that resonated with locals.

Press and Media

Local media routinely covered BBDD events, celebrating their underdog status and highlighting their high-energy community engagement. Appearances on regional podcasts, such as the Crazy Reno Podcast, gave skaters a platform to share stories and bring roller derby’s culture to new audiences.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

BBDD helped revitalize interest in women’s amateur sports in Reno, offering positive alternatives for women of all backgrounds to find community, express themselves, and achieve athletic goals. Their collaborative, non-profit structure set an important precedent for other grassroots leagues.

Memorable Skater Stories and Team Lore

BBDD has been home to countless vivid personalities—skaters with evocative names, stories, and styles:

• Cindy Sinful: From derby queen to New York tax adjuster, her journey reflects derby’s deep, transformative effect on its skaters.

• Hell Bettie, Anita JamBayou, Calhouligan: Each brought their own fierce persona to the flat track, immortalized in league lore.

These stories speak to the league’s lasting impact on the lives of its members—giving them confidence, life skills, and friendships that endure long after the wheels stop spinning.

Details, Traditions, and Specifics

• Bout Protocol: Vegan-friendly food, live DJs, and local business partnerships created an inclusive, festival-like experience at every bout.

• Admission Policies: Family-friendly pricing, discounted advance tickets, free or donation-based admission to some bouts.

• Community Initiatives: Support for charities, open training, and aggressive pursuit of new venues to keep the sport accessible.

 

The Battle Born Derby Demons occupy a special place in Reno’s sports and cultural landscape. Their story is one of grassroots innovation, unyielding passion, and authentic community connection. Whether you’re a longtime fanatic, a prospective skater, or simply curious about the world of roller derby, the story of the BBDD proves there’s much more to Reno than casinos and neon. Here, on the flat track, women empower each other, fans become family, and each bout is another testament to what a determined team, and city, can achieve.

 

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