WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the Good Sport Program will be a part of all United home games for the third consecutive year. Sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Capital Eagle Distributors, Aramark and the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, the program promotes a family-friendly atmosphere at RFK Stadium by encouraging fans to act responsibly and show respect to all those in attendance. New this season, United's new neighbors, the Washington Nationals, will also be participating in the program.
"We're pleased to be offering the Good Sport Program to our fans for a third consecutive year," said Catherine Marquette, Director of Community Relations and Executive Director of United for D.C. "Ensuring that we provide a safe, responsible and considerate atmosphere for our fans, while maintaining the passion and excitement seen at United games, is the goal with this program."
The Good Sport Program allows fans to register at the program kiosk located on the concourse of RFK Stadium just inside Gate A. Fans who register make a pledge not to drink alcoholic beverages at that day's game and are entered to win the "Good Sport Fan Pack," which includes an autographed mini-ball, a wind shirt and backpack. Additionally, by registering, fans receive a wristband designating them as a "Good Sport Designated Driver" and a free coupon from Aramark redeemable for a free soft drink at any concession stand throughout RFK. Following registration, which ends five minutes before halftime (at the 40th minute), a public address will announce the Good Sport of the Game.
A new addition this year, all fans who register to be a Good Sport over the course of the season, will be entered in an end-of-the-year "Responsibility Has Its Rewards" sweepstakes with the opportunity to win tickets to the MLS Cup Championship game at Frisco Soccer and Entertainment Center in Frisco, TX, should D.C. United advance to the final game. If United were not to make the final, the winning fan would receive tickets to the 2006 All-Star game, which will be held at a yet-to-be determined MLS site. The sweepstakes is in partnership with TEAM Coalition (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) and Major League Soccer.
The Good Sport Program focuses on three areas: fan communication, staff training and a designated-driver program to combat drunk driving. At every D.C. United home game, United and its partners will promote the message of fan responsibility through an aggressive and comprehensive series of signs and announcements. To accompany this campaign, the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission and Aramark have designed a training program to assist concession staff and security personnel in recognizing potential problems before they develop.
For more information on the Good Sport Program or any of D.C. United's Community Relations activities, please contact Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or at cmarquette@dcunited.com. For complete sweepstakes rules, please visit the TEAM Coalition website.
