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Colorado Rapids

Rapids Weekly Notes

March 19, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Taking in the Spanish Sights: To take a break from the Colorado Rapids' preseason training, the squad took a tour of Valencia on Sunday morning to take a closer look to the city's 'Las Fallas' celebrations. Some of the players that decided to join the tour got a closer look at the Museo de las Ciencias, which was designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The museum is flanked by the Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia, which holds four indoor concert stages and opened its doors in 2005. The players and coaching staff got to experience 'La Mascletada,' a fireworks celebration that fills the entire city with the loudest explosions possible, celebrating life through noise based on the assumption that silence equals death.

Last Double Session: The Rapids will host today the team's final double session of the trip. The team will then take on Valencia CF tomorrow at 9:30pm local time at the historic Mestalla stadium. The rest of the team that does not play in the friendly game will take on Mestalla, Valencia's second division team, on Wednesday at 10:30am at the training grounds in Paterna, Spain.

A Great Opportunity: Colorado Rapids forward Jovan Kirovski, who will be starting in the friendly game against Valencia CF tomorrow, sees this game as a great opportunity for both young and veteran players to experience a match in a bigger stage. "I'm excited for this game," he said, "Our young players will be exposed to something new and with Valencia's loss over the weekend, the match will mean something for them. I'm excited to have this opportunity and be able to perform in such an environment as we'll see tomorrow."

Ticket Sales for Rapids vs. Valencia: Valencia CF reported today that the club had distributed over 20,000 tickets for the match against the Rapids. The entire city will be paralyzed today as everyone will celebrate the last day of "Las Fallas," but will be able to recover and attend the match that will kick off at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Altitude on Location in Spain: Altitude Sports and Entertainment, in cooperation with the Colorado Rapid, have sent a TV crew to Valencia with the team that is shooting a special behind the scenes show titled "Altitude on Location." TV host Kyle Keefe is in Valencia capturing the Rapids' soccer stories as well as the human interest, culinary, and cultural aspects of the city that is hosting the Rapids. This special edition, which is expected to show the international flair that is so unique to soccer, is scheduled to air in April on Altitude.

Pablo in the US: Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni became the proud father of his second child. His wife Kelly gave birth to a healthy daughter named Giuliana on Wednesday, March 14. Mastroeni is currently in the United States and will not travel back to join the team in time for their game against Valencia.

Rapids vs. Valencia Media Coverage: Colorado soccer fans will be able to read all about the Rapids vs. Valencia CF friendly match in the Denver Post on Wednesday, March 21. The Post will cover the game and has secured a photographer to send action shots from the international friendly back to Colorado. The game will be televised locally in Valencia by Canal 9.

Opening Day Availability Low: Tickets for the April 7 Rapids Home Opener against D.C. United are selling fast. The first game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park is sure to sell out so get your seats soon. Go to www.coloradorapids.com to reserve your spot in history.

Rapids Final Preseason Trip: After trips to Mexico, England and Spain the Rapids final preseason local will feel like their backyard. On March 31 Colorado will take on Rocky Mountain Cup rivals Real Salt Lake in Herculez Gomez's hometown of Las Vegas. Tickets have sold out for this final tune-up before the regular season begins a week later.

Newest Season Ticket Package: After single game tickets to the Aug. 26 game against Los Angeles sold out in less time than a soccer game the Rapids announced the "Becks Flex Pack." If you want to see one of the summer's hottest games this is the way to go. Purchasers get the Aug. 26 game plus two others with no ticket fees. The only way to buy a "Becks Flex Pack" is to call the Rapids at (303) 825-GOAL.

Dick's Sporting Goods Park Opening Week: The whole week before the Grand Opening of Dick's Sporting Goods Park the community will have a chance to help build the excitement. On Monday the Rapids will host their annual Kickoff Clinic at the stadium. Tuesday will see the 8th Annual Kickoff Luncheon from 11 to 1. Wednesday is the first ever Burgundy and Blue game and a Front Range Happy Hour, both at the stadium. Finally, Thursday, the team will be visiting Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital to visit patients. For a detailed schedule and more information go to http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/NewsDetails.aspx?NID=7505

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 19, 2007


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