Rugby Event at Rams Park a Success.
October 10, 2011
St. Louis, Missouri
In cooperation with the St. Louis Rams NFL Football Club, the Missouri Rugby Union hosted Rugby Day at Rams Park on October 2, 2011. Developed as a dual-promotional event, the collaborative project provided an opportunity for the Rams to attract rugby players to the Edward Jones Dome, and also provided an opportunity for Missouri Rugby to expose potential players and fans to Rugby Sevens.
The MRFU reserved a block of 500 seats to Rams’ contest against the Washington Redskins at the Edward Jones Dome. Because of the bulk purchase, the Rams organization discounted the ticket price, and provided MRFU the opportunity to use the event as a fundraiser. The ticket face value in included a $5 donation to the MRFU. MRFU member clubs sold tickets directly to their players and fans, and more than 475 tickets were sold to the event. All interested spectators in the were able to move down to the 50 yard line to watch the matches, and the MRFU set up informational tables in the concourses to attract player and spectator interest.
A significant drawing card for Club ticket sales was the opportunity to watch Rugby in a professional setting. As a part of the promotional package, the Rams provided MRFU with access to the field to play three rugby sevens matches. Rugby Sevens was selected because of its quick pace and inherent excitement, but also because it would be more accessible for an unfamiliar audience. Conveniently, the MRFU summer sevens series had wrapped up fairly recently and players were
The three matches played represented the major divisions of MRFU Rugby. Up first, the Bombers took on the Ramblers in a Senior Men’s Division 2 grudge match. The Ramblers opened up scoring with a converted try early. The Bombers touched down but were unable to convert to close out the first half at 7-5. The Bombers came back strong at the start of the second half and scored two quick tries, both of which were converted. The Ramblers scored one unconverted try late in the second half, but were unable to get closer than the 19-12 result.
In the second match, St. Louis University High School took on defending MRFU and Missouri State 15’s champion De Smet Jesuit. Both teams played a lively and energetic style, and were evenly matched at half time with one score each. (Conversion kicks were abandoned due to difficulty retrieving balls from the stands quickly). In the second half De Smet battled scored two tries to SLU High’s one, and held the 15-10 advantage to the final whistle.
In the day’s final match, MRFU newcomers Lindenwood University took on defending MRFU Champion and USA Collegiate Division 2 Sweet 16 competitors St. Louis University. In the first half SLU enjoyed three tries from its backline and was leading 15-0 until Lindenwood put a try down as time expired in the half. Building on that momentum, Lindenwood came back in the second half to score three more unanswered tries and take the victory at 20-15.
The MRFU is excited about hosting this great event for the rugby community. Bringing the most viewer-friendly variant directly into an NFL stadium has potential to generate interest among spectators and potential players, and at the same time we providing a unique opportunity for rugby players to use a top-level venue for competition. Rugby is enjoying increasing visibility with Sevens matches televised this summer and Rugby World Cup action underway now, and MRFU is proud to be a part of promoting growth in the sport.
For more information about Missouri Rugby visit our website: www.morugby.org or contact Union President Bryce Krug Bryce.krug@gmail.com
Click Here for a gallery of photos from the event