Chattanooga Roller Derby
Chattanooga’s only roller derby league, the Chattanooga Roller Girls, announces its rebranding and name change to Chattanooga Roller Derby, effective as of 2020. This change is for the league to better reflect its inclusive core values to affirm and respect the diversity of its membership.
Along with the name change is a new team logo, designed by board member and veteran skater, Jenny Cate. “I wanted a design that was athletic but alternative. It’s a play on skull and crossbones, and the railroad spikes are an homage to the old logo and in keeping with the theme of that part of Chattanooga,” says Ms. Cate.
Macy Licht, media coordinator for the league, says of the change, “This rebranding effort has been in the works for the past year, and we couldn’t be more excited. We wanted the name of our organization to be reflective of our affirming beliefs of gender diversity and felt that Chattanooga Roller Girls was limited in that capacity. Chattanooga Roller Derby better respects and appreciates our diverse membership, and signals to our community that we welcome all who identify with our values, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, body size, religion, or disability status.”
CRD is celebrating the rebranding with a launch party to promote the first bout of the 2020 season. The party will be at the Gate 11 Distillery in the Chattanooga Choo Choo at 5 p.m. on March 14. CRD will be selling new (and vintage) merchandise and tickets for the first bout, and will be joined by Moonlight Roller Lounge, the Southeast’s first 18+ roller skating rink and lounge, coming to Chattanooga later this year. The party is open to the public and will feature Moonlight’s “Moon Beams,” a quartet of skating dancers, and the Red Rogues, an acoustic/electric band performing an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and original Americana music.
Founded in 2008, Chattanooga Roller Derby is Chattanooga’s only adult flat track roller derby team and includes the Ruby Regulators, Chattanooga’s only junior team, and Tennessee Valley Authority, a premiere group of dedicated referees and non-skating officials. CRD’s 12th season of roller derby in Chattanooga will begin with a doubleheader at the Chattanooga Convention Center on April 4, brought to you by Moonlight Roller Lounge.
For more information on Chattanooga Roller Derby, visit chattanoogarollerderby.com or search for Chattanooga Roller Derby on Facebook.