Thunder to hold home opener as charity event again in 2007

Published on March 28, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, March 28, 2007) - The Minnesota Thunder announced today that it will hold a charity event at its home opener on Sunday, May 6 at James Griffin Stadium once again in 2007. The match will kick off at 5:05 p.m. In a partnership with the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, Thunder P.L.U.S., and another non-profit yet to be determined, 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 are encouraged to donate the money they would have spent on a ticket to the designated charities. A portion of all proceeds will be given to each non-profit.

"We had much success with our charity home opener in 2006 and it was a great way to kick off the soccer season," said Djorn Buchholz General Manager of the Thunder. "We want to pack the stands again this year 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 2:30 p.m. with a complimentary youth soccer clinic that will be run by the Thunder men's and Lightning women's players. Registration for the clinic will begin at 2 p.m. The clinic, for youth soccer players ages 3-18, will run until 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own soccer ball for the clinic. The first 500 participants to register for the clinic on that day will receive a FREE t-shirt, compliments of Soccer USA.

Additional activities are being planned for the whole family to add to the festive atmosphere of this years event which is topped off by the Thunder game against the defending USL First Division champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps, kicking off at 5:05 p.m. The first 1,500 fans to enter the gates for the game will receive a FREE soccer bobble button, compliments of MYSA.

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.

"We really want to rely on our loyal fans to bring somebody new to the game," said Buchholz. "Let's show the metro area that the Thunder and Lightning have the best fans around."

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

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING SINGLE GAME TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY

The Minnesota Thunder and Minnesota Lightning announced that single-game tickets and family four packs for the 2007 regular season go on sale Thursday, March 29 at 10 a.m.

The first Thunder and Lightning home games that single-game tickets can be purchased for is a doubleheader on Saturday, May 26 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The Lightning kicks off at 5:05 p.m. against the London Gryphons, with the Thunder game scheduled to follow immediately after at 7:35 p.m. against the Virginia Beach Mariners. With the price of a Thunder ticket, fans can watch both games.

For non-doubleheader games, single-game Lightning tickets can be purchased at $6 for youth (ages 3-17) and $8 for adults. Children under the age of 3 are free. Home games will be played the National Sports Center in Blaine or Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium at the University of Minnesota.

Thunder single-game ticket prices range anywhere from $8 for youth (ages 3-17) to $22 for field reserved. Children under the age of 3 are free. Home games will be played at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul or at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Fans can purchase tickets by visiting www.mnthunder.com or by calling 651.917.TEAM.


Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from March 28, 2007


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.

OurSports Central