Thunder launch Bremer Bank Interactive Fun Zone

Published on May 5, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, May 5, 2004) - Minnesota Thunder soccer fans of all ages can test their soccer skills and win prizes at every home game this season inside the Bremer Bank Interactive Fun Zone, it was announced today by Thunder officials.

The Bremer Interactive Fun Zone, located behind the east goal inside St. Paul Central High's James Griffin Stadium, consists of five stations aimed at developing specific soccer skills, including dribbling, speed with the ball, passing, juggling and speed of shot.

"The Bremer Bank Interactive Fun Zone is all about developing soccer skills in a festive environment," said Jim Froslid, Thunder general manager. "The fact that kids can compete against their parents or compare their score with Thunder players just adds to the excitement."

The fun zone will debut on Saturday, May 15 in conjunction with the Thunder's inaugural game in St. Paul against the Edmonton Aviators. It will open one hour prior to each kickoff and run through the end of half-time. It is open to youth (ages 5 and up) and adults. All fun zone participants receive a free Thunder team autograph card where they can mark their score on one side and get player autographs on the other. The cards can also be presented at any metro area Bremer Bank and, when opening a Bremer Eagle Savings Account, the bank will deposit $10 into the new account.

Bremer Bank will be giving away a regulation-size soccer ball to the top girls and boys participants in specific age categories at each game. Bremer will invite the top three participants in each age category to the final game of the regular season to compete for the grand prize of a Thunder jersey.

Top participant scores can be tracked all summer long on the Thunder website (mnthunder.com) as each night's scores will be logged.

2. THUNDER LOOKS TO STAY UNBEATEN IN CANADA

The Thunder departs for their fist road games of the season as they travel to Canada to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Calgary Mustangs. The Whitecaps, who have one point thus far in the season, host the Thunder (3 points) on Friday, May 7 at Swangard Stadium. Over the past six seasons the Whitecaps hold a 4-1-1 advantage over the Thunder, but not a single game has been decided by more than one goal nor has either team scored more than one goal in any of the six contests. The Whitecaps have had several key signings in the off-season including Andrew Gregor, who led the 2003 Seattle Sounders in goals.

On Sunday, the Calgary Mustangs will host the Thunder at McMahon Stadium. The Thunder has already downed the Mustangs 2-0 in front of 3,500 fans at the Metrodome only two weeks prior to this match. It's a new beginning for A-League soccer in Calgary. Thomas Niendorf, who led the Calgary Storm to the PDL final in 2001, will take the helm of the newly refined organization.

3. THUNDER CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO

Visit the Thunder this Saturday at Minnesota's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, one of the country's 10 largest celebrations of the day, held in the District del Sol in St. Paul's West Side. The kickmaster will be at the Thunder's booth, awarding prizes to any children who choose to challenge it.

For more information on the festival visit districtdelsol.com, and for more information on the Thunder's involvement call 651.917.TEAM (8326).

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USL First Division Stories from May 5, 2004


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