DALLAS (March 16, 2023) –Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today that the league has chosen to play the 2023 Championship Match at the home of MLR’s newest expansion team, the Chicago Hounds. SeatGeek Stadium will host the final on Saturday, July 8th in Bridgeview, Illinois.
“Moving the Championship Match to a predetermined venue has long been a goal of Major League Rugby,” said Major League Rugby CEO Nic Benson. “As the league continues to show an exceptional pattern of growth, we believe this is the perfect time to plan an entire weekend of fun rugby and fan events around our showcase game. Chicago’s rich history of hosting large scale rugby events combined with a great facility in SeatGeek stadium, makes for the perfect place to celebrate and honor our athletes and fans.”
The Championship Match will be the culmination of an all-day block party festival to be held at SeatGeek Stadium. During the lead up to the game, the block party will feature competitive rugby games at all levels together with local food and drink offerings and a live music festival atmosphere.
“We are excited to showcase all that American rugby has to offer through it’s remarkable growth from top level Men’s and Women’s club games to youth rugby and everything in between,” said Majority Owner of the Chicago Hounds Peter Bernick. “The weekend will feature Chicago’s food and music scene while building towards the Major League Rugby Championship Match on Saturday afternoon at SeatGeek. We expect a full house for what will be a fantastic weekend and can’t wait to bring this event to Chicago.”
In future seasons, Major League Rugby intends to allow venues, both within and outside the league, the opportunity to host the Championship Final.
The 2023 Championship Match will air nationally on FOX at 2:00 p.m. CST on July 8th. More information about weekend activities, travel packages, and ticket sales will be forthcoming on Major League Rugby’s social media channels and website (www.majorleague.rugby).
About Major League Rugby:
Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its sixth season that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2023, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby.
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