Sports stats

MLS FC Dallas

Pizza Hut Park to Host Frisco Freedom Fest on July 4

June 1, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas (June 1, 2006) - Pizza Hut Park and the City of Frisco announced today that the 5th Annual Frisco Freedom Fest will be held at Pizza Hut Park on Tuesday, July 4. Among the events of the Independence Day festival is the FC Dallas versus D.C. United match, a performance from two-time, Grammy award-winning Kool & The Gang on the main stage, and a 20-minute fireworks show to close out the evening.

"Pizza Hut Park was built with the goal of hosting world class soccer matches, great concerts and important community events," said Michael Hitchcock, President and General Manager of FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park. "What a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July which will start with the top team in Major League Soccer, your FC Dallas taking on phenom Freddy Adu and D.C. United, followed by two great concerts then the Grand Finale, the Freedom Fest Fireworks Show."

"Our growing partnership with FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park allows us to grow this family favorite event" said Frisco Mayor Mike Simpson. "If you've never seen a professional soccer game, this is a great opportunity to take in a game plus see top notch entertainment and an incredible fireworks show, which is what July 4th is all about," said Mayor Simpson.

Outside the state-of-the-art stadium, Frisco Freedom Fest begins at 4 p.m. with live, local talent performing on the Community Stage; a Hometown Hero exhibit, where kids, of all ages, get a close up look at equipment used by Frisco's Police and Fire Departments; and an expanded Children's Expo, featuring face painters, balloon artists, strolling entertainers - plus more jump houses, games and arts and crafts offered than ever before! Admission to the festival, located at the north entrance of the stadium, is free.

"Our Children's Expo will be bigger than ever before," said Dana Baird, City of Frisco Director of Communications and Media Relations. "We've added an obstacle course for the "tween" set and our Recreation Division has lots of games and crafts planned, including everything from sack races to 'go fish'. The traditional 'Cookie Walk" returns and our Recreation staff will have a table set up where children can write letters to our troops, which is a great way for children to be creative while helping them understand the greater meaning of the holiday," said Baird.

Following the MLS match, which kicks off at 5 p.m., the main stage inside the stadium at Pizza Hut Park will go 'live' and opens with Everlife at 7:30 p.m., followed by Kool & The Gang at approximately 8:15 p.m.

Formed as a jazz ensemble in the mid-'60s, Kool & The Gang became one of the most inspired and influential funk units during the '70s, and one of the most popular R&B groups of the '80s after their breakout hit "Celebration" in 1979. Kool & The Gang credits include two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R & B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 Gold and Platinum albums. Aside from "Celebration", some of their greatest hits include "Cherish", "Get Down On It", "Ladies Night", "Fresh" and "Jungle Boogie."

Before Kool & The Gang takes to the main stage, Everlife will warm up the crowds with their music and charismatic personalities. Named "New Best Artist" at the Radio Disney Music Awards, their music can be found on "That's So Raven Too" compilation, "DisneyMania 4," "Radio Jams 8" and "The Wild" soundtrack.

Frisco Freedom Fest is presented by the City of Frisco and Centennial Medical Center. "Centennial Medical Center is proud to be the Freedom Fest Presenting Sponsor again in 2006," said Bill Henning, CEO, Centennial Medical Center. "As Frisco's only full service hospital, we feel it important to support local activity, such as Frisco Freedom Fest, and look forward to a successful year," said Henning.

To experience a full day of fun, purchase tickets to the FC Dallas game, concert and fireworks show range from $15-$45. Tickets for only the concert and fireworks show will be available for $5. Field seating - blankets only -- will be available for an additional $3. Buy advance tickets now by calling 1-888-FCD-GOAL. Tickets will be available at the Pizza Hut Park box office beginning June 5. The Pizza Hut Park box office is located at the north end of the stadium and is open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday.

For more information on Frisco Freedom Fest, visit www.friscofreedomfest.org or call 972-335-5555, ext. 192.

Check out the FC Dallas Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from June 1, 2006


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.

OurSports Central