KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City Wizards have announced plans to bring the oldest team trophy in U.S. sports history, the Dewar Challenge Trophy, to Kansas City in advance of the 2004 U.S. Open Cup championship game and are giving fans the opportunity to "Spend 90 Minutes with the Cup". The essay-based contest will run from Wednesday, September 8th at 5:00 p.m. CT through Wednesday, September 15th at 5:00 p.m. CT. Two winners will then be selected to "Spend 90 Minutes with the Cup".
The Dewar Trophy, given annually to the winner of the U.S. Open Cup, is permanently on display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York. But from September 17th through September 22nd, the prestigious 92-year-old piece of hardware will tour Kansas City and be on display at several events around the metro area in the days leading up to the Open Cup Final. The Wizards will face the Chicago Fire in the 2004 U.S. Open Cup final at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday, September 22nd. The game will mark the first ever National Championship game in the history of Arrowhead Stadium. </p>
The National Soccer Hall of Fame has granted the Wizards permission to allow two lucky fans the opportunity to take the Dewar Trophy to the destination of their choice for 90 minutes apiece. Fans are asked to submit, in 100 words or less, their idea of where to take the Dewar Trophy in Kansas City. The two best ideas will then be awarded with a personal appearance by the Dewar Trophy. </p>
Locations can include, but are not limited to, schools, youth soccer events, restaurants and other special events. The contest is open to Wizards fans of all ages and from school children to professionals. This is a tremendous opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with an important piece of soccer history.</p>
To enter, send your idea of 100 words or less via email to <b>jgorman@kcwizards.com</b>. Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number and email and the date and location of where you would like to take the Dewar Trophy. The destination of the trophy will be limited to the Kansas City metro area and the Wizards reserve the right to select the 90-minute time period based on availability.</p>
