Rat City to change name of practice space, calling for community input

Attention local derby fans and community members — Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG) wants to return the Rat’s Nest to you, the people.

The RCRG would like to give the community the opportunity to vote on the new name of the derby-practice space it maintains in Shoreline, which is currently named the Rat’s Nest.

In 500 words or fewer, tell RCRG why you would choose one of the following names:

• Seattle Roller Derby Center
• Shoreline Roller Derby Center
• Washington Roller Derby Center

Submissions should be sent here no later than November 20 and the results will be announced before the December 5 RCRG bout.

The Rat’s Nest is not only used by RCRG, but various other leagues such as Puget Sound Outcasts, Jet City Rollergirls, Seattle Derby Brats, and Potential Fresh Meat.

After RCRG moved from its original practice space in Ballard to the current space located at 19022 Aurora Ave N in Shoreline, the name from Ballard — the Rat’s Nest — stuck out of habit.

However, RCRG no longer feels the name represents what the space has become — a hub for premiere roller derby throughout King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

RCRG skaters whittled down a long list of submissions in order to present the public with three choices to select from. The name change is part of Rat City’s recent effort to revitalize its community-care program, as well as strengthen relationships with its derby brothers and sisters.

The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG) is Seattle’s premiere all-female, flat-track roller derby league. RCRG is composed of about 80 active skaters and many more retired skaters who are still involved. The skaters are divided among four home teams, as well as the All Stars and Competitive Rat Lab teams. It is Rat City’s mission to maintain a competitive athletic program, promote the sport of roller derby, provide quality sports entertainment for fans, and make a positive impact in the community.