MLS Colorado Rapids

"Rapids Week 2009" Schedule of Events Announced

Published on March 20, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, COLO. (Friday, March 20, 2009) - The Colorado Rapids today announced their "Rapids Week 2009" schedule, the club's annual tradition of a week-long series of events leading up to the team's first home match of the season at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, which this year takes place Saturday, March 28 against the Kansas City Wizards at 7:30 pm MT.

The events of Rapids Week 2009 will celebrate the launch of the Rapids' 14th season as the Rapids organization, including players, coaches, staff and mascots, as well as the club's fans, participate in public events every day of the week in an effort designed to build excitement leading up to the home opener.

Details of the each of the week-long series of events are as follows:

Saturday, March 21, 8:30 pm: Official Away Game Viewing Party

The official Rapids Away Game Viewing Party for Saturday's match at Chivas USA will be held at Sobo 151, located at 151 South Broadway in Denver. The viewing party is free and open to fans of all ages to attend, so wear your Rapids jersey and come join other fans to watch the game live in a great soccer atmosphere!

Sunday, March 22, 6-8 pm: Class VI Supporters Club Season Kickoff Bash

Join the Class VI Rapids Supporters Club for an official launch party to kick off the 2009 season in proper fashion. The event will be held at The Cantina at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Bring your friends who want to find out more about joining a Rapids supporters club and help recruit more members. There'll be food, drinks, games, door prizes, and fantastic Rapids items available in the silent auction, so stop on by. This event is open to all fans.

Monday, March 23, 4-5 pm: Rapids Team Hospital Visit

Rapids players and coaches will continue their annual tradition of visiting kids in the hospital, this year at the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center. The players, coaches and mascots will visit with patients, sign autographs, and pose for photos. This event is closed to the public, expect for media members.

Tuesday, March 24, 7 pm: Rapids Annual "Burgundy & Blue Game"

A change in the traditional intra-squad format will see the Rapids face the Roadrunners of Metro State College this year at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Come check out the Rapids in action at the stadium for the only time for free all year in their last warm-up match in preparation for their home opener. The Rapids' Burgundy & Blue Game is open to the general public and is free of charge; no ticket will be required for entrance into Dick's Sporting Goods Park. There also will be a special private reception with Rapids players for full season ticket holders, as well as a kickoff party for the Rapids Adult League in the stadium Cantina on this night.

Wednesday, March 25, 7 pm: Rapids High School Classic presented by CollegeInvest

It's the first time that a stand-alone high school soccer match has ever been played inside Dick's Sporting Goods Park. On this night, the Rapids are hosting the inaugural Rapids High School Classic, presented by CollegeInvest. It's a special high school girls match, as the Arvada West Wildcats take on their traditional rivals the Standley Lake Gators. Tickets are $20 for this match, and include admission to this game as well as the Rapids' home opener. Tickets are available for purchase at each school and portions of each ticket sold will benefit their soccer programs. Contact the Arvada West or Standley Lake athletic departments or call (303) 727-3541 for more information or to get your tickets.

Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7 pm: Rapids Annual Kickoff Clinic

The Rapids will be hosting their 9th annual Kickoff Soccer Clinic, with the Rapids players and coaches on hand giving instruction and guidance for kids ages 5-11 on the Dick's Sporting Goods Park fields complex this afternoon. Each participant will get the chance to meet and learn soccer skills and get autographs from their favorite Rapids players up close and personal, as well as receive one ticket to the Rapids 2009 Home Opener and one ticket to the Rapids vs. LA Galaxy home match on Saturday, April 25. To register, visit ColoradoRapids.com or call 303.825.GOAL.

Friday, March 27, 10 am: Rapids Team Photo Day

Media members are invited to come to Dick's Sporting Goods Park as the Rapids practice inside the stadium on their match pitch. Prior to the team's training session, the Rapids will take their 2009 Official Team Photo, and media members are offered this exclusive behind-the-scenes photo opportunity. Players and coaches will also be available after the Team Photo and Training Session for one-on-one interviews and photos. This event is closed to the general public.

Friday, March 27, 6 pm: Rapids First Kick Pub Crawl

For our rowdier fans, don't miss the Rapids' First Kick Pub Crawl through Lodo to celebrate the launch of the Rapids' season. Help kick off the season in proper fashion with other supporters on a route to several bars downtown. One entry fee of $35 includes admission to the Pub Crawl, as well as two tickets to Rapids Opening Night, a beer special at each participating bar, and a free Rapids First Kick Pub Crawl t-shirt. This event is open to fans 21 and over only. Sign up now by visiting ColoradoRapids.com.

Saturday, March 28, 7:30 pm: Rapids' 2009 Home Opener

The Colorado Rapids kick off their home opener on this night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 7:30 pm vs. the Kansas City Wizards. The Rapids are 2-0-0 all-time in home openers at their new home, winning in dramatic fashion in last season's 4-0 victory over Los Angeles. Tickets are still available for this match, but fans are encouraged to purchase theirs as soon as possible as they are selling quickly! Visit ColoradoRapids.com to purchase your home opener tickets today or call the Rapids at (303) 825-GOAL.

For more information on any of "Rapids Week 2009" events, please call the Rapids at (303) 825-GOAL.




Major League Soccer Stories from March 20, 2009


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