FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew will play the inaugural Pioneer Cup on March 11 in honor of Lamar Hunt, the investor-operator of both clubs who passed away in December following a long battle with prostate cancer.
The teams are slated to meet at Pizza Hut Park in the first installment of what is to be an annual event that will benefit each club's charitable foundation. Each foundation will donate each year's net proceeds to a local cause, with the FC Dallas Foundation directing the funds this year and the Crew Soccer Foundation doing the same in 2008, when the game will be played in Columbus.
"The Pioneer Cup is an event that is near and dear to all of us at FC Dallas," said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "We have a chance to honor our great leader and everything he's done for this sport that we all love, while raising much needed money for Dallas Scores and the Pioneer Soccer League, in his honor. We look forward to seeing all sports fans at Pizza Hut Park to help us pay tribute to a true sports pioneer, Lamar Hunt."
FCD's charitable arm, the FC Dallas Foundation, will donate its portion of the proceeds to Dallas SCORES, an affiliate of America SCORES that combines soccer, creative writing and public service to provide students with a safe and productive after-school learning environment. Students who vow to make an equal commitment to creative writing workshops will take part in a soccer league dubbed the Pioneer Soccer League in Hunt's honor.
In connection with the charitable aspect of the game, fans will be able to name their price for tickets. Fans must pay a minimum of $5 for endline seats or $10 for sideline seats, but can contribute any higher amount they wish. A $100 contribution would cover the expenses for one child to participate in the Pioneer Soccer League for one year. Tickets are on sale now for FCD Hoops Nation Members and FCD season ticket holders.
"We are extremely excited to be named the charity of choice for an event honoring such a great pioneer," said Steve Christensen, founder and board member of Dallas SCORES. "Lamar Hunt's impact on soccer in North America is second to none. Having his name as well as FC Dallas attached to this event will go a long way towards impacting more children in the Dallas area."
The day will kick off at 3 p.m. CT with an Alumni Tribute Game featuring former players and coaches of teams owned by Hunt, including FC Dallas, the Crew, the Kansas City Wizards and the NASL's Dallas Tornado. The FCD-Crew game is set to kick off at 5 p.m. As part of the tribute, FC Dallas will debut a commemorative circle patch bearing Hunt's initials on their right sleeve. The Hoops will wear that patch throughout the 2007 MLS season.
The winning team will have possession of the Pioneer Cup, and the losing team will donate $1,000 to the other side's foundation. Fans can also contribute to the Dallas SCORES cause by bidding on the jerseys worn in the Pioneer Cup. Details on the auction will be revealed at a later date.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
