MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids and Commerce City Team Up for 4th Fest Colorado for Third Consecutive Year

May 21, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, COLO. (Thursday, May 21, 2009) - The Colorado Rapids announced today that this year they will again be hosting the state's biggest celebration of America's birthday in Colorado on July 4 with a festival, game and fireworks extravaganza at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The event, dubbed "4th Fest Colorado", will be a joint production between the Colorado Rapids and Commerce City for a third straight year, and will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Preceding the match between the Rapids and Chicago Fire will be a festival outside the south end of the stadium starting at 5:00 pm, featuring live bands, kids' activities, a beer garden, and interactive games for families and fans of all ages.

"Our annual 4th of July match and post-game fireworks have become a must-see tradition in the community now for 14 years," said Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush. "Every year we look to enhance this event and this year is no different with a special reunion performance from one of Colorado's own, The Samples."

"The 4th of July is the highlight of the summer and 4th Fest is the place to be on Independence Day. It's perfect for kids, parents and grandparents alike," said Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale. "We hope fans from all over join us to celebrate all that is special about the United States of America and, while they are here at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, realize what a great community Commerce City has become."

On this 14th annual Fourth of July home game for the Rapids, they face off against Mexican legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco, U.S. international Brian McBride, and the rest of the Chicago Fire in MLS action, with kickoff starting at 7:00 pm. Colorado will look to continue their dominating record on Independence Day; the Rapids hold an 11-1-1 all time record on games played on the 4th of July.

Immediately following the game will be a special live in-stadium performance by one of Colorado's most beloved hometown bands, "The Samples", re-united here by the Rapids for the first time since the group disbanded two years ago. The last live performance by The Samples before the band split up was New Year's Eve of 2007.

"The Samples getting together to play again is a highlight in itself, but knowing that our first show together is scheduled for July 4th with the Rapids brings this to a whole new level," said Sean Kelley, lead singer of the The Samples.

"Had the Rapids not approached us, we would have most likely let another year go by without a full band Samples show. Both I and the rest of the band are incredibly exited for this show. Celebrating the Fourth of July with the Rapids could not be a better event for all of us! I am very appreciative to the Rapids for hosting us."

Following the performance by The Samples will be Colorado's biggest and most explosive fireworks show in celebration of America's birthday!

This year's fireworks show, taking place at Dick's Sporting Goods Park for the third straight year, will again be the largest in the state of Colorado. The location of Dick's Sporting Goods Park frees the club to put on a pyrotechnics show that will have none of the noise or shell size restrictions that other shows in downtown Denver or other areas must adhere to, making this show the biggest and most explosive in the state this year.

All pre- and post-game activities and events taking place outside the stadium, including parking, are free to the public.

For the full details on the Rapids' 2009 4th Fest Celebration, as well as all the A-Z info you need about everything from parking to tailgating to the band stage schedule to prohibited items, please visit the official website of the event, www.4thFestColorado.com.

Tickets for the Rapids vs. Chicago Fire match are currently on sale while supplies last at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park Box Office, at ticket kiosks located in all Colorado area Dick's Sporting Goods locations, online at www.TicketHorse.com, or by phone at 1-866-466-6556.

For more information on 4th Fest Colorado, fans can call the Rapids Ticket Hotline at (303) 825-GOAL or log onto www.4thFestColorado.com.

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