Betties Gapland 1

The roller derby season opens for Swift Current's Redneck Betties tonight.

They're hosting the Redcliff Foxy Rollers.

It's the first time the two teams have played one another as the Betties play one of their four home bouts of the season.

Just because it's been several months since they played a meaningful game, that doesn't mean the Betties were resting on their laurels.

"We have Andy Schneider on board with us training us hard," said Captain Smash Vegas. "Some of the girls took some time off so we had a slow start, but Andy whipped us in to shape. We were practicing at Walker Place."

The sport has been growing in the southwest to the point where the roster has been growing for the Betties. Vegas tried to put her finger on what is causing that interest.

"Derby is very inclusive," she said. "We welcome anybody shape, sizes... we even take men to be our refs and coaches."

Vegas describes their team as like a family and that has translated the sports growing popularity among players and fans.

The game is close to sold out, but if there are any tickets left they could be available at the door of the Credit Union iPlex tonight.

Click here for more on the way the Betties are planning to challenge themselves this season