MLR Colorado Raptors

Glendale Raptors Professional Rugby Debuts April 21 at Infinity Park

April 20, 2018 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Colorado Raptors News Release


GLENDALE, Colo. - The Glendale Raptors host Austin Elite Rugby this Saturday in the home opener of Major League Rugby. A founding member team in the new professional league, the Raptors are building on a ten-year history of distinction. Playing on their home field at Infinity Park, the first rugby-specific stadium in the nation, the Glendale squad is expected to draw a sizable crowd. The match begins at 3pm Mountain Time. In addition to the game itself, attendees are invited to arrive two hours prior to kickoff for the Raptors Fan Zone, a tailgate-style pregame party featuring games, activities, food, drinks, and more.

Asked about entering the inaugural season of professional rugby, Raptors Head Coach David Williams said his team is prepared: "We've become more resilient during a long, successful preseason, but real tests are the in-season games. We want to start strong and show our confidence in front of our home crowd." Assistant Coach Ted Browner says the team is looking to continue its preseason success, and knows that the competition on Saturday will be stiff: "This is the toughest competition we've faced, as it's our first in-season game. Austin will bring a tough side with lots of experience."

With nearly forty media guests in attendance, the Raptors Major League Rugby debut has already caught the attention of a broad local and national audience. In addition to media guests, in attendance will be Major League Rugby personnel, members of the Raptors owners group, and key investors and sponsors of MLR. The league has partnered with CBS Sports Network, who will broadcast the game of the week, while AT&T Sports and Cox Communications will broadcast non-game of the week matches. Kicking off Saturday at Infinity Park, the inaugural season of Major League Rugby will run ten weeks, with semi finals June 30 and a championship match July 7.

Austin Elite Rugby General Manager Thierry Daupin noted the long road to the professional league when asked: "Two years ago we were all dreaming about this, and now we're excited to be playing in the MLR season opener against Glendale. We're excited to be back on the Glendale pitch after winning the USA Rugby D1 Championship in 2017." Mike Ablett, Marketing Director for Austin Elite Rugby, expressed similar sentiments: "To be part of Major League Rugby is an honor for the brand and the players. We look forward to running onto the pitch for the MLR season opener."

Season and single game tickets are available online at glendaleraptors.com, and can also be purchased at Infinity Park starting at 1:00 pm on Saturday.



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