'L.A. Galaxy Week' counts down to club's 10th season opener on April 9

CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy will be hosting community-based events throughout Southern California on each of the ten days leading to their home opener on Saturday, April 9 against MLS expansion team Real Salt Lake, the club announced today.


The events leading up to the home opener will be just one part of the Galaxy's extensive "Decade of Stars" marketing and branding campaign. The "Decade of Stars" theme pays homage to both the club's tenth season celebration this year and the many superb soccer players who have worn a Galaxy uniform during that time. It reflects on the first nine years in club history and inspires both fans and players alike to aspire to much more in the future.


"We have put together an unprecedented calendar of events for our fans throughout the Southland," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We sincerely hope that all of them will join us for what promises to be one of the most exciting times in our club's history, culminating in our home opener against Real Salt Lake."


There will be at least one event per day, beginning today and continuing through the day of the club's first home match. What follows below is a day-by-day representation of the events the club has planned.


Thursday, March 31 - The club will host three kickoff clinics for about 150 children each from 5:00-6:30 pm at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena - the Galaxy's home for their first seven MLS seasons, as well as in Moreno Valley and Irvine.


Friday, April 1 - The Galaxy will be launching their new interactive Decade of Stars web page on www.lagalaxy.com, where fans will be able to vote for the Galaxy's Best 11, rank the Galaxy's greatest moments, and pick the best goals of the decade.


Saturday, April 2 - The Galaxy is inviting fans to a viewing party @ 4:00 pm where they can watch the Galaxy open the 2005 MLS Regular Season against the Columbus Crew. The match begins at 4:30 pm and the location for the party is Smooth's at 144 Pine Ave. in Long Beach.


Sunday, April 3 - As part of the Galaxy Open House from 2:00-5:00 pm at The Home Depot Center, fans will have the opportunity to watch the club train. They will also be able to purchase season tickets and seats for the home opener. We appreciate KMXE for supporting this event and providing great entertainment for the whole family, which includes Lik (alternative rock), Projecto FM (Spanish electronic/dance), Jacky Herrera (Spanish cumbia), the L.A. Salsa Kids, and a D.J. mixing throughout the day.


Monday, April 4 - Steve Cronin, Ednaldo da Conceicao, Paulo Nagamura and Troy Roberts will be signing autographs and mingling with fans at the Team LA Store located at Universal Citywalk from 6:00-7:30 pm. Galaxy radio partner KMXE will be broadcasting live from outside the store.


Tuesday, April 5 - The club will host their annual media game on the stadium field at The Home Depot Center. Following the game, there will be a luncheon at the Stadium Club.


Wednesday, April 6 - Galaxy season ticket plan holders are invited to watch the team train in a private session at The Home Depot Center. This annual event has become a tradition for plan holders looking to get an early glimpse at the team.


Thursday, April 7 - As a part of "Acts of Kindness Day" Galaxy players and staff will visit children in local hospitals and wards.


Friday, April 8 - The club will officially launch the 2005 version of the MLS/NEA Bilingual Literacy Program, Get a Kick of Out Reading!/Lee y Marca un Golazo! at Leapwood Elementary School in Carson with players reading to the students.


Saturday, April 9 - The Galaxy get their 2005 home schedule underway with a bang when they host MLS expansion side Real Salt Lake at 7pm, as well as unveiling its Decade of Stars Galaxy Museum, all followed by a Fireworks Extravaganza. The first 10,000 fans will also receive a magnetic schedule, courtesy of Wells Fargo.


The Los Angeles Galaxy are pleased to once again offer fans "The Best Seats in the House" at The Home Depot Center. For the Galaxy's first two home games in 2005 (April 9 vs. Real Salt Lake and April 23 vs. CD Chivas USA), the club will be selling 100 seats along one touchline on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each ticket costs $150 per game and includes the actual chair the fan sits in. For more information on "The Best Seats in the House" or to purchase tickets, call the Galaxy Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.