Thunder to hold complimentary home opener as charity event

March 17, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Friday, March 17, 2006)-The Minnesota Thunder announced today that it is moving its home opener on Sunday, April 23 from the Metrodome to James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul and will kickoff at 3:05 p.m.

In a partnership with Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, and Thunder P.L.U.S., the Thunder will be using this game as a charity event and as a kick-off event to the summer soccer season. The game will be complimentary and admission will not be charged. Instead, fans will be encouraged to donate the money they would have spent on a ticket to United Way and Thunder P.L.U.S. A portion of all proceeds will be given to these two non-profits.

"There is a new face to the Thunder in 2006 with Amos as the coach, Manny Lagos on board, an improved camp business, the Lightning women's team, and an ownership group that's entering its first full season together," said Djorn Buchholz General Manager of the Thunder. "We want to pack the stands for our first game and show the soccer community what a great atmosphere and product we have to offer. What better way to kick off the summer soccer season than with a complimentary Thunder game that is geared at raising money for a good cause and giving back to the community."

The day's festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with a complimentary youth soccer clinic that will be run by the Thunder men's and Lightning women's players. The clinic, for youth soccer players ages 3-18, will run until 2 p.m with the Thunder game against the defending USL First Division champions, the Seattle Sounders, kicking off at 3:05 p.m.

It's important to both the MYSA and the Thunder to use its positive influence through soccer to give back to the community. MYSA is partnering with the Thunder in this event to make sure its membership and youth soccer players understand the importance of raising money and giving back to the communities they live in. MYSA will also be giving away car magnets to the first 1,000 fans through the gate.

The Thunder will be sending all of its season ticket holders four vouchers for the home opener. Season ticket holders are encouraged to bring out four new fans to the game.

"We really want to rely on our loyal fans to bring somebody new to the game," said Buchholz. "With the World Cup taking place this summer, let's pack the stadium and start the excitement early."

For more information on the Thunder Home Opener, please visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651-917-TEAM.

About Thunder P.L.U.S.

In the fall of 2001, Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S, Partnering for Leadership and Urban Success, was launched. The name reflects upon and highlights the true nature of the organization's mission:

"To help urban and immigrant youth develop leadership and life skills via the international sport of soccer."

Thunder P.L.U.S is a collaborative organization that represents a commitment to forging active and enduring partnerships within the communities with which it works. While recognizing participation in soccer as a value in and of itself, when coupled with other enriching activities, Thunder P.L.U.S. programs have a synergistic effect, impacting youth in profound ways.

This program gets kids involved in soccer that may not otherwise have the chance to do so due to financial or environmental constraints. Through this involvement in soccer, children learn valuable leadership, social, and life skills that will help them develop as individuals. For more information, visit www.mnthunder-plus.org



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