The Big Easy Rollergirls (BERG) today announced a major rebranding, the first since the New Orleans area’s first flat track roller derby league’s inception in 2006. In an effort to better reflect its values of inclusiveness and those of the sport of roller derby, the league has adopted the new name Big Easy Roller Derby (BERD).

The announcement comes as the league prepares for its first competitive game in more than two years when it hosts JXN Roller Derby on Saturday, June 18, at 7 p.m. at the league’s warehouse at 3632 Desire Parkway.

The league’s rebranding comes after internal discussion dating back pre-COVID pandemic among members as to how the league could better express its focus on inclusiveness.

“As a nonbinary person, it feels affirming and supportive to see that I and my teammates of all genders are welcome and supported in this community, said BERD league member Mary “Thembalina” Hendrie. “I’m proud that this change reflects that.”

BERD’s mission is to empower people of all genders through the sport of flat-track roller derby. BERD offers a place for individuals to express themselves, achieve their goals and to feel a sense of inclusion in a community where they are celebrated and recognized as equals.

Founded in 2004, the league began its 18^th year of operation in 2022 and will begin its 14^th year of competitive skating with the June 18 game. This will be the first game for the league since August 19, 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of the sport worldwide in early 2020.

“Our skaters are really excited to get back to playing in front of an audience and skating against skaters other than their leaguemates”, said Aaron “PR Mageddon” Looney, announcer and public relations chair for the league. “Those coming to the game will see a lot of familiar faces on the track and in officiating and production roles, but you’ll also see a lot of new members who have come aboard since the pandemic. Our entire league can’t wait to get back to doing what we love in front of our awesome fans.”

Those attending the game are asked to bring chairs, as seating in the warehouse is limited. Concessions will also be available for purchase, including baked goods made by members of the league, and league merchandise will also be on sale. There will also be a 50-50 ticket raffle, where the winner will take home half of the total earnings.

Follow Big Easy Roller Derby on social media through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok for more information while the league’s website is under renovation.

MEDIA: Any requests for media coverage regarding this rebranding should be made to publicrelations.berg@gmail.com for scheduling purposes. Please include your name, media outlet, and requested information – interview, photo, video, etc.

About Big Easy Roller Derby

Originally formed in 2004 and now entering its 16th year of competitive skating, the Big Easy Roller Derby all-gender flat track roller derby league is a proud member of the WFTDA and one of the organizations’ original 20 charter leagues. This all-volunteer organization is committed to encouraging and facilitating the sport of flat track roller derby and providing a safe and inclusive community through aggressive athletic entertainment. The league also supports charitable organizations that benefit the community at large.