Watch Party

The sound of helmets hitting hardwood can’t be replicated on the small screen. The larger-than-life personalities of Kansas City’s roller-derby women aren’t easy to box up, either. But Roller Warriors, a seven-part documentary, offers a quick-paced introduction to the local league and a glimpse into the lives of women who strap on the knee pads and duke it out on the skating rink. Because there ain’t no party like a Roller Warrior party, Tailgaters (7955 Frontage Road, Overland Park) and the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, Kansas City) host Thursday-evening gatherings for fans and athletes to “get awesome” while watching the 30-minute episodes. Expect extended festivities tonight when Metro Sports runs a Roller Warriors marathon at both venues, starting with the first episode at 6:30 p.m. and wrapping up with the finale at 9:30 p.m. If you have to be told to get there early for a good seat, prepare for a crash course in the cultlike following that this exciting league has ignited.

Thu., Feb. 26, 2009