DENVER - The Colorado Rapids, in conjunction with Real Salt Lake, and "The Committee of 10", announced today the formation of a new yearly Cup Competition between the 2 teams that will be organized by the respective fan clubs of the two teams.
The yet-to-be-named competition will involve the creation of a trophy that will be presented annually to the fan club of the victorious team in the competition's 4-game series in an effort to encourage fan support and civic pride for this new rivalry between Denver and Salt Lake City. Fans are being encouraged by both teams to vote online for the name of the Cup itself, as well as its design by visiting the official fan website of the competition, www.RealRapidsCup.com.
The Rapids have also received endorsements for the program from Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Colorado Governor Bill Owens, who are excited about supporting the competition. Elected officials in Utah are similarly expected to participate.
"Given that the Mile High City already overshadows Salt Lake City by 950 feet in altitude, I look forward to seeing that advantage translate into domination on the soccer field," challenged Mayor Hickenlooper, who kicked out the game ball at the Rapids' home opener last April.
The Rapids and Real Salt Lake will face each other 4 times in the 2005 regular season: on Sat. April 16 and Sat. Oct. 15 in Salt Lake City, and on Fri. Aug. 26 and Sat. Oct. 1st at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver. If the series is tied 2-2 at the end of the year, a tiebreaker will be used to determine the winner of the competition.
Other elements of the competition will include joint sponsorship, advertising, and ticket sales initiatives coordinated by the Rapids and Real Salt Lake, as well as a plan for corporate economic initiatives between Colorado and Utah.
"The Colorado Rapids are very excited about this Cup Competition," said Charlie Wright, Rapids COO and General Manager. "It will be great for the fans of the clubs to participate in the ownership of this competition. This new rivalry will also give our respective clubs the opportunities to create some innovative business development initiatives off the field that we believe will help make the competition one of the major sporting events in the Rocky Mountain region for decades to come."
The Committee of 10, or "C10", was formed as an organizing entity composed of soccer fans of the Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids soccer clubs, and is composed of members from the respective clubs' fans whose election revolves on a volunteer basis. Responding to a desire among fans of the two clubs, C10 hopes to provide a coordinated outlet for the expression of the collective enthusiasm from soccer fans of the Rocky Mountain region.
"We are excited to be working with both clubs to enhance the supporters' vision of what this competition can be. The competition is about the fans and excitement about soccer in our communities. It's also about supporting our two clubs, Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids. While I can always hope for the Rapids to reign supreme each year, I know that all soccer fans hope for the success of both clubs," said Jason Maxwell, Chairmain of C10.
More details regarding the Cup competition will be unveiled in the weeks to come. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to ColoradoRapids.com for updates.
