Chicago Rush Military Appreciation Night this Weekend
June 26, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO, Illinois - The Chicago Rush is kicking off their 4th of July celebration this weekend by paying tribute to the honorable men and women who have served our country and protected our freedom.
On Saturday, June 30th, all military personnel past and present will be able to receive a complimentary ticket at the Allstate Arena box office before the game at 7 p.m. against the San Jose SaberCats. Each person in their party will also be able to purchase a ticket at half price.
Military appreciation night is about more than just free tickets, however. The Rush has partnered with multiple military organizations to honor veterans throughout the game and remind the fans of the tremendous sacrifices our troops make daily.
"As an Infantry veteran, I understand how important sports are to soldier morale. Deployed or stateside, each service member strongly identifies with their team and at the Chicago Rush we're determined to reach out in order to identify with them," stated Rush Media Relations Manager Ryan Young.
Setting the tone for the evening will be the National Guard who will lead the pre-game festivities by presenting the colors for the National Anthem. Equipped with the National Guard end zone bunker, soldiers will make their way out of it during game breaks to participate in on-field promotions.
Accompanying them will be the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). IAVA is the first and largest nonprofit dedicated to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with over 200,000 members and supporters nationwide. Fifty members of the group will be given a unique game experience, complete with complementary tickets, recognition on the field during a first quarter timeout, and the opportunity to aid the promo crew in tossing t-shirts into the Allstate Arena crowd.
Finally, the Chicago Rush and the American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation (AFWMF) are working together to commemorate three area families who have lost a son serving in combat. The AFWMF aims to educate youth about the sacrifices being made for freedom and is beginning to build a memorial to honor all veterans since the Gulf War. During halftime of the game, the Rush will present the families with a plaque in their son's honor.
The Rush hope to make Saturday a day of remembrance for our troops who have given the ultimate sacrifice, as well a day of celebration for all they have accomplished for our great nation. Gates open one hour prior to kickoff, and military personnel can pick up their complimentary ticket at the Allstate Arena box office beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 30th. A form of military I.D., military form DD214 or military uniform is required to redeem the offer.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from June 26, 2012
- Grady Earns Weekly Offensive Honor - Utah Blaze
- Spokane Shock to Host Skills Challenge - Spokane Shock
- Sharks' Jackson Named Defensive Player of the Week - Jacksonville Sharks
- Grady, Jackson and Gray Earn Week 16 Honors - AFL
- Chicago Rush Military Appreciation Night this Weekend - Chicago Rush
- VooDoo Dolls Visit Tulane Hospital for Children on Tuesday - New Orleans VooDoo
- Storm Hosts Metropolitan Ministries LEON Event at Tampa Bay Times Forum Friday, June 29 - Tampa Bay Storm
- VooDoo Add K Gary Cismesia, Activate WR Chris Duvalt - New Orleans VooDoo
- AFL Playoff Scenarios as of Week 16 - AFL
- Fans to Vote on Candidates for the 2012 Hall of Fame Class - Milwaukee Mustangs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
