CANCELED: Madison Roller Derby
Alliant Energy Center-Coliseum 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin 53713
Steve Jurkovic
press release: In light of Gov. Tony Evers’ declaration of a public health emergency for Wisconsin and restrictions on gatherings of over 250 people, as well as growing concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, Madison Roller Derby today decided to cancel all league events and suspend practices until at least mid-April.
The decision includes cancelling their Udder Chaos roller derby tournament scheduled for April at the Hartmeyer Ice Arena, their April 4 game at Alliant Energy Center, and a fundraiser drag show scheduled for April 11 at FIVE Nightclub.
The decision was made with input from league members and based on the best available public health recommendations, with thanks to the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA), Public Health Dane County, and other entities offering guidance in this difficult time. MRD takes its role as a community member seriously and wants to do everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of our members, our fans, and our community at large. In short, this is the right thing to do.
We will be issuing automatic refunds for tickets already purchased online for events that fall under this timeline. Tickets purchased in person at an outlet will be honored at any future MRD home game.
With that in mind, we are also humbly asking that anyone who is able please donate directly to our league in lieu of attending one of our events, to help us cover the sunk costs of the venue and promotion. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.madisonrollerderby.org.
As an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that relies on revenue from our public events and fundraisers to keep us going, the cancellations will be financially difficult to weather. We’re hopeful, though, that with support from the community and our many skaters and volunteers, we’ll be able to keep rolling for many years to come.
MRD wishes to thank all our incredible fans and supporters and apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause. We hope that by taking proactive steps to limit exposure, however, we can do our small part to flatten the curve of infection rates and prevent this from becoming an even bigger strain on our families and neighbors and health care providers.