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Thunder doubles school day games in '04

March 17, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, March 17, 2004) – After a successful School Day Game in 2003, the Thunder announced the scheduling of two School Day games in 2004. The event, which is sponsored by HealthPartners, Northwest Athletic Club, and the Minnesota Department of Health, hosted over 4,000 kids last year and is an educational exhibition soccer match geared toward kindergarten through 8th grade students.

The games, to take place on May 26 and June 3 at 10 a.m., will have a distinct format featuring four quarters with educational elements during each break. Between each quarter Thunder players will present interactive educational demonstrations emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition, reading or education, and remaining drug-free. An on-field autograph session for children will immediately follow the games.

"This is a very unique event that focuses on providing positive role models to children and delivering some very strong messages," said Jim Froslid, Thunder President and General Manager. "After reviewing the positive feedback we received from students and administrators last year, we decided to create this experience twice in 2004."

Students will receive a Thunder School Day Game Workbook and Thunder autograph card. Throughout the game, students will answer age-appropriate questions in their workbook.

The cost of the event for students is $5, which includes a game ticket, educational workbook, and a Thunder autograph card. Both School Day games take place at the Thunder's new home at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul (I-94 & Lexington Parkway). For more information on this event and the school packages, contact Matt Schneider, Senior Account Executive, at 651-917-TEAM (8326) or via email at matt@mnthunder.com

2. GABE'S BY THE PARK TO CATER THUNDER PICNIC ZONE

The Twin Cities premier sports bar, Gabe's By The Park, will be the official caterer of the Thunder Picnic Zone this season targeting corporate groups of 50 or more.. There will be a wide array of food to choose from including hamburgers, chicken & ribs, smoked bratwurst and more (A minimum of 25 food orders must be placed). Corporate groups will be allowed to sit in centrally located seats that offer the best view of the field. Corporate groups will also receive a mention in the game-day program and an announcement over the public address.

"We have created a great opportunity for corporations to reward their employees and their families for all of their hard work," said Matt Schneider, Senior Account Executive for the Thunder. "Great service and entertainment is always our first priority."

For details and pricing information, contact Matt Schneider at 651.917 TEAM (8326) or via email at matt@mnthunder.com

3. NEW ONLINE SOCCER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE

For the first time ever, parents and campers can now register online for the 2004 Thunder Soccer Camps. The Thunder has never made it simplier to sign up for the 11th annual camp program designed for boys and girls ages 5-18. To secure a place in any of the camps simply log onto www.mnthunder.com, click on the "Camps" link and register in a just a matter of minutes.

The Thunder camps are directed by Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos and director of youth development Tim Carter. The camps will take place in 29 different metro-area locations, beginning in April and running throughout the summer months. Thunder camps are the most popular youth soccer camps in the state with more than 2,500 kids participating in 2003.

Remember to register online by logging onto www.mnthunder.com. For questions, you may contact Tim Carter, Director of Youth Development, at 651.917.8326 or via email at tim@mnthunder.com.

4. SEASON TICKET BROCHURES HOT OFF THE PRESS

The newly designed 2004 Season Ticket Brochure is now available by calling the Thunder office at 651.917.TEAM (8326). The new brochure includes directions to the new stadium, a parking map, a stadium diagram and descriptions of the affordable and flexible ticket packages the Thunder have to offer. Over 550 ticket packages have already been sold for the 2004 season and that number is on the rise. For as little as $48 you too can be a season ticket holder at the Thunder's new home of James Griffin Stadium located at I-94 and Lexington Pkwy. For ticket information contact Matt Schneider at 651.917 TEAM (8326) or via email at matt@mnthunder.com. Also, check out the Thunder ticket packages by clicking on the "2004 Flex Tickets" link on the home page.

5. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION MEETING SET

An orientation meeting is set for the 2004 season's volunteers. Thunder staff will go over the upcoming schedule, game-day staffing opportunities and assignments with volunteers on Saturday, April 3, at 4:45 pm at Hopkins Pavilion. The meeting will coincide with the Thunder's first pre-season indoor match that will kickoff at 7 PM. Volunteers are welcome to attend this game following the orientation, but it is not mandatory. Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact the Thunder office before the meeting at 651.917.8326.



USL First Division Stories from March 17, 2004


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.

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