Among the thousands that will watch either the New England Revolution or Chicago Fire take on the Colorado Rapids or the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS Cup 2005 on Nov. 13 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas will be Connecticut native and sports fan extraordinaire Steve Guilmart.
Normally Guilmart would be taking in the action from his own living room thanks to ABC Sports' national coverage of the event, but not this time. Instead, Guilmart will be right in the thick of things at Major League Soccer's newest soccer-specific stadium, watching the drama unfold live and in person. Of thousands of entrants, Guilmart has been named the lucky winner of the ESPN Fan Zone sweepstakes. His Grand Prize is a trip for two to MLS Cup 2005 at Pizza Hut Park, and Guilmart couldn't be more excited.
"I was very elated when I first found out," Guilmart said. "I feel very fortunate. I love team sports and soccer."
MLS teams partnered with ESPN this season to provide fans with a unique viewing experience. On ESPN2's Soccer Saturday coverage throughout the summer, fans were able to purchase tickets in the ESPN Fan Zone, a special seating area that not only provided a perfect view of the whole field, but also assured that those seated in the Zone could be seen by a national television audience supporting their home team. Eleven of the league's teams were able to sell special ESPN Fan Zone packs, which also included cheer sticks to help them show their support. The ESPN Fan Zone packs could be bought on MLSnet.com and the various team web sites, as well as through their box offices.
"We're glad we had the opportunity to partner with ESPN Zone and offer these special ticket packages and sweepstakes to our fans," said Brad Pursel, MLS senior director of team services and broadcasting. "We received a tremendous response from our fan base and look forward to offering similar opportunities in the future. I'm sure Steve will have a great experience attending the MLS Cup weekend in Frisco and visiting the brand new Pizza Hut Park."
As a general sports fanatic, Guilmart doesn't have a preference as to which teams he would like to see at this year's championship match. He is just excited to experience the event first-hand.
"Soccer is so entertaining and tense," he said. "I never played growing up, but I watch (games) on ESPN. It's great. The coverage of soccer has been wonderful the last few years."
Now Guilmart has even more about ESPN to be pleased about. After all, they will be picking up the tab as he heads to the Lone Star State to see Major League Soccer's 10th champion crowned.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
