The Colorado Rapids today announced their "2008 Opening Week" schedule, a week-long series of events leading up to the team's 2008 Opening Day, taking place next Saturday, March 29 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The week's events will celebrate the kickoff of the Rapids' 13th season as the Rapids organization, including players, coaches, staff and mascots, as well as the club's fans, participate in public events every day of the week designed to build excitement leading up to Opening Day.
Details of the each of the week-long series of events are as follows:
Monday, March 24, 6-7pm: Centennial Firm Supporters Club Happy Hour
Join the C-Firm for an official supporters club Happy Hour to kick off the 2008 season. The event will be held at the British Bulldog, located at 20th and Stout Streets in Lodo. Bring your friends who want to find out more about joining a Rapids supporters club and help recruit more members. There'll be food, drinks, and soccer on the TV's, so stop on by! There will be a Pub Quiz with a $1,000 prize up for grabs. This event is open to fans 21 years of age or older.
Tuesday, March 25, 2-3pm: Team Visit to Medical Center of Aurora
Rapids players and coaches will continue their annual tradition of visiting the patients in the Oncology and Pediatrics Units, at the Medical Center of Aurora. The players, coaches and mascots will visit with patients, sign autographs, and pose for photos. This event is closed to the public, expect for media members.
Wednesday, March 26, 6-7:30pm: Rapids Kickoff Party at Casey's
Rapids players and mascots will be on-hand at Casey's Bistro & Pub serving as guest bartenders for this special season kickoff party. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes such as Rapids merchandise and tickets to the team's season opener, as well as get the chance to get autographs and pose for photos with the players and mascots. The event is free to attend, and fans of all ages are encouraged to come join the Rapids down at Casey's, located at 29th and Quebec Streets in Stapleton, to kick off the season in grand fashion!
Thursday, March 27, 4:30-6:30pm: Rapids Community Soccer Clinic
The Rapids will be hosting a free soccer clinic for pre-selected Commerce City recreational teams with Rapids players and coaches on hand giving instruction and guidance for kids ages 10-11 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids Soccer Clinic will also be held in conjunction with MLS partner Nothing But Nets, a global grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Kids in attendance will get the chance to meet and learn soccer skills and get autographs from their favorite Rapids players up close and personal.
Friday, March 28, 10am-noon: Rapids Team Photo Day
Media are invited to come to Dick's Sporting Goods Park as the Rapids practice for the first time this year inside the stadium on their match pitch wearing their home uniforms. Prior to the team's training session, the Rapids will take their 2008 Official Team Photo, and media members are offered this exclusive behind-the-scenes photo opportunity. Players and coaches will also be available after the Team Photo and Training Session for one-on-one interviews and photos.
Saturday, March 29, 7:30pm: Rapids 2008 Opening Day
The Colorado Rapids' 13th season kicks off as the club begins their second year at Dick's Sporting Goods Park at 7:30pm vs. the LA Galaxy. Last year, the Rapids opened their new stadium in dramatic fashion, claiming a 2-1 victory over D.C. United. Limited tickets are still available for this match, but fans are encouraged to purchase theirs as soon as possible before the match sells out!
For more information on any of the Colorado Rapids' 2008 Opening Week events, please call the Rapids at (303) 825-GOAL.
