MLS Futbolito Sells Out New York Event
August 1, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Tuesday, August 1, 2006) - Major League Soccer today announced that the 2006 edition of MLS Futbolitoâ¢, the official 4-v-4 tournament of MLS, set a record for most teams participating in a single event on Saturday. The 180 teams registered for this past weekend's tour stop in New York, which constituted a sellout, made it the largest MLS Futbolito event since the program's inception in 2003. MLS Futbolito, presented by Panasonic, RadioShack and Sierra Mist, is open to people of all ages and abilities. It is the centerpiece of a day-long soccer festival that includes food, music, sponsor elements and a chance to interact with soccer legends. Additional sponsors of the 2006 tour include adidas, Burger King, Honda, ICI Paints and State Farm.
MLS Futbolito is the largest touring Hispanic event hosted by any U.S. professional sports league, and recently expanded to 16 events in 15 markets with the addition of Phoenix and Philadelphia. The 2006 tour includes the following cities: Los Angeles (Chivas), Houston, San Antonio, Miami, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Columbus, New Jersey, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles (Galaxy) and San Jose. The next stop on the 2006 MLS Futbolito tour is in Chicago on August 6, coinciding with the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game.
"Saturday's event was an overwhelming success. This gives us even more momentum as we look to further grow and develop the program next year with our corporate partners," said David Wright, MLS Senior Director of Partnership Marketing. "MLS Futbolito has resonated with the masses, particularly our Hispanic fans, because it is one of the few events in America where thousands of soccer fans can compete and enjoy a day of fun for the entire family."
MLS Futbolito, in addition to providing a fun-filled atmosphere for the soccer enthusiast, gives participants an opportunity to win valuable prizes. Participants from Saturday's tour stop received an MLS Futbolito t-shirt and a complimentary ticket to the New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United game on August 16. There was also prize money at stake in the Adult Premier Division with the first place team taking home $2,000 and $1,000 going to the runner-up. The grand prize winner was the Spanish Jokers team from Hicksville, NY.
All 5000 of the participants, guests and spectators had the opportunity to meet MLS legend Marco Etcheverry and New York Red Bulls midfielder Mark Lisi, as well as participate in the various sponsor activation elements. adidas had their mobile marketing vehicle on site, setting up a promotional soccer field where participants could test out and purchase products. State Farm and ICI Paints conducted contests and raffles and Burger King sponsored a team in the 8-and-under division.
The 2006 edition of MLS Futbolito kicked off on May 6 in Los Angeles with 120 teams. More information about MLS Futbolito including future registration and tournament details for the 2006 season can be found on the program's official website: www.MLSFutbolito.com.
Major League Soccer Stories from August 1, 2006
- D.C. United advances in U.S. Open Cup play - D.C. United
- Juan Pablo Garcia named to MLS All-Star team - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Chivas USA weekly update - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
- Revolution's Twellman, Reis added to MLS all-star roster - New England Revolution
- Carlos Ruiz and Greg Vanney Named to MLS All-Star Inactive Roster - FC Dallas
- Houston Dynamo sends two more All-Stars to Chicago to face Chelsea - Houston Dynamo FC
- D.C. United's Olsen and Erpen named to 2006 Sierra Mist All-Star Inactive Roster - D.C. United
- Final Rosters Unveiled for 2006 Sierra Mist All-Star Game - MLS
- MLS Futbolito Sells Out New York Event - MLS
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