2018 Media Guide - Glendale Raptors
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2018 Media Guide
Glendale Raptors Rugby
2018 Season Media Guide
Introduction
More than a decade ago, Glendale’s leaders developed a bold plan: the future of the city would be built around
the business of rugby. Today, the fruits of their labor are plain to see. A powerful economic engine for the region,
Infinity Park is at the heart of Glendale’s dynamic community. The multi-use, indoor-outdoor hub is home to the
Glendale Raptors, a founding member team in the nation’s professional rugby league, Major League Rugby, and
boasts the first rugby-specific stadium in the country. Through the power of inspired public-private partnerships,
sustained growth, and commercial acumen, Glendale defines the business of rugby.
History
When Glendale leaders conceived to make their city impact they generate promise to continue growing.
the rugby epicenter of the United States, rugby was Infinity Park’s storied success has allowed partnerships
one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S. sporting world. with local businesses to flourish, fostering growth for
Internationally, however, the business of rugby had all parties involved.
been booming for decades. Globally, more than 7
million people play rugby, with many millions more Sports teams, like business ventures, are judged by the
participating as fans. The international economic measure of their success. Glendale’s extensive rugby
impact is significant: the Rugby World Cup alone programming, high-end, rugby-specific facilities, and
generates hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue history of distinction have attracted the nation’s top
annually. athletes for years. Over many seasons of club play the
Raptors have hoisted championship banners again
After more than a decade as rugby’s American focal and again. The launch of Major League Rugby will
point, Glendale has been critical in introducing the once again give the team the chance to compete and
sport to a national audience. With more than 40 million perform at the highest level, the perfect segue from an
U.S. fans and 350 percent participation growth since illustrious past to an unstoppable future.
2009, both the numbers and the associated economic
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Glendale Raptors Rugby
2018 Season Media Guide
GLENDALE RAPTORS MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY INFINITY PARK
The Glendale Raptors are one of Rugby is one of the fastest growing Just southeast of downtown
the top rugby teams in the United sports in the United States and Denver, Glendale’s 8-acre Infinity
States. A founding member team among the most popular sports Park is a cultural cornerstone
in the country’s professional rugby internationally. The sport’s domestic for Coloradans up and down
league, Major League Rugby, growth and wide-reaching global the Front Range. The multi-use,
the Raptors are an anchor of fan base combine to create indoor-outdoor hub is home to
Infinity Park – a stadium designed a unique environment for a the Glendale Raptors, a founding
specifically for the sport. Founded professional league in the American member team in the nation’s
in 2007, the Raptors have become market. Major League Rugby builds professional rugby league, Major
a critical part of the city’s identity, on the U.S. rugby story by uniting League Rugby, and boasts the
a touchstone for those who live in fans under a common banner as first rugby-specific stadium in the
Glendale and a rugby emissary for rugby enters the American sports country. Glendale’s divisional and
all who visit. mainstream. developmental club teams, the
Merlins, also call Infinity Park home.
Building on the successes of their Major League Rugby (MLR) is the With a state-of-the-art Sports
first decade as a team, the Glendale crown jewel atop the USA Rugby Center, extensive youth rugby
Raptors elite men’s team has a long domestic participation pyramid, programming, and a world-class
and fruitful history, playing elite providing a focal point for fans, an Event Center, the possibilities at
rugby in both the Pacific Rugby aspirational goal for young players, Infinity Park are truly limitless.
Premiership and in the Major Rugby and opportunities for businesses
Championship before entering to engage with the sport. By Infinity Park is woven into the very
Major League Rugby. With the stitching together the local with fabric of Colorado, not simply as
leadership of Director of Rugby the national, the national with the a rugby haven, event space, or
Mark Bullock, Head Coach David global, MLR is the embodiment of fitness Mecca, but as a place where
Williams, and Assistant Coach rugby’s character-driven model of community can coalesce and
Keiran “Ted” Browner, the Glendale sport and athleticism, teamwork interact – marrying fitness, fun, and
Raptors and Infinity Park are poised and diversity, participation and culture for Coloradans of all ages.
to become the flagship professional community – and an open For more information on Infinity
rugby team in the United States. invitation for the American public Park and upcoming events,
For more information: to join the unique and vibrant www.infinityparkatglendale.com
www.glendaleraptors.com rugby world. For more information:
www.usmlr.com
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Glendale Raptors Rugby
2018 Season Media Guide
A professional Rugby team based in The New Orleans Rugby Football The Seawolves are proud to be
Austin, Texas, Austin Elite Rugby is Club was established in 1973. Since Seattle’s Major League Rugby
excited to bring Professional Rugby the team’s creation, they have franchise. With an ownership group
to Central Texas and to the City of become a standout for U.S. rugby led by Seattle-based entrepreneurs
Austin. A proud member of Major in the Deep South, creating an Adrian Balfour and Shane Skinner,
League Rugby, Austin Elite Rugby outstanding example both on and the club was formed in 2017 and
embodies the sport’s inclusive off the pitch. As one of the teams as a founding member of Major
ethos by developing players from in the U.S. joining the professional League Rugby. Seawolves home
youth to professional. At the heart Major League Rugby organization, games will be played at Starfire
of Austin Elite Rugby is the creation NOLA Gold enters its next measure Stadium in Tukwila, Washington.
of a pathway for players and fans to of competition at the highest level.
enjoy the game.
Based in Houston, Texas, The Driven by a commitment to win, Rugby Utah Ventures is proud to
Houston SaberCats (formerly the a longing for a challenge and announce the inclusion of the Utah
Houston Strikers) and the Sugar a desire to bring world-class Warriors in the Major League Rugby
Land Skeeters have partnered rugby to Southern California; competition in 2018. The Utah
to bring professional Rugby to San Diego Legion was born. Warriors CEO and GM is Kimball
the Greater Houston area at Our game is global; carrying Kjar. The Warriors will be key for
Constellation Field, with it links to our past and the rugby growth in Utah and America
Sugar Land, Texas. promise of an exciting future. - the team is excited to bring
From the youngest enthusiast to the world’s second-largest, and
the oldest ambassador, from the America’s fastest-growing, sport to
international transplants to the San Utah for fans from all backgrounds
Diego Lifestyle lovers, our game to enjoy.
is steeped in tradition and deeply
rooted in our community.
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Glendale Raptors Rugby
2018 Season Media Guide
Game Day
The Raptors game day experience highlights the
inclusivity of the sport of rugby: the business of
engaging directly and meaningfully with the fan
base. Raptors matches create empowered, impressed,
and excited customers and fans. In addition to
hard-hitting, non-stop action, attendees can expect
plenty at a Raptors match. Beginning with a two-
hour pregame celebration in the Raptors Fan Zone,
fans can interact with coaches, players, and Rudi the
mascot; enjoy face painting and temporary tattoos,
food trucks and beverages, half-time activities,
merchandise and more. Available covered seating and a feature-rich VIP area round out the robust offerings.
There is truly something for everyone at a Raptors match.
Why Raptors? Why Now?
Rugby’s primary audience is younger, educated, and either – many are multi-sport athletes, but choose rugby
prepared to experience a new, niche sport – and why because of the camaraderie, athleticism, and dignity the
wouldn’t they be? Fans of mainstream sports have been game engenders. Exceptional facilities and wide acclaim
acutely aware of the failings that come along with them: also mean that Glendale attracts international players,
media saturation, scandal, disrespect, and injury have many of whom come from countries where the sport is
plagued the NFL and NBA in recent years. The respect already well established. A testament to Glendale’s grasp
and brotherhood that characterize rugby guarantee of the business of rugby, these welcome transplants
that such concerns need not apply to the sport. understand the entrepreneurial spirit and unbound
The unique outlook on sportsmanship that rugby potential for growth that Glendale rugby represents.
inspires hasn’t been lost on its players and coaches
Page 6
The Business of Rugby
Partnership with Infinity Park is an exceptional opportunity to reach the existing and robust rugby fan base, as
well as the legions of future fans that make rugby the fastest-growing team sport in the U.S. Existing sponsors
have recognized the tremendous potential Glendale holds for return on investment, and understand that
rugby’s inclusive ethos extends beyond the field and into the business community.
Major League Rugby has a national broadcast agreement
with CBS Sports Network, as well as a five-market deal with
AT&T Sports Network and a two-market agreement with Cox
Communications. The league also has an exclusive apparel
partnership with Australia-based brand X-Blades, who will
provide uniforms for all teams and Ram Rugby, who will
provide equipment and rugby balls for the teams.
League sponsorship is working with five exclusive sponsor
categories: auto, beer, wireless, insurance, and financial,
seeking to grow the sport and its vast commercial potential. The ability to co-market with rugby and established
sponsor brands drives the economic engine – partnering with sponsors and investors allows the business of
rugby to thrive.
Rugby is one of the most popular sports globally,
second only to soccer, and yet the United
States as a whole has not developed the sport
commercially. The amount of rugby participation
versus commercial activation is disproportionate.
Glendale has been an example of how to make
that activation a reality for more than a decade,
and now MLR stands poised to do the same at
the national level. Rugby markets internationally
are mature, without much room for sustained
growth – the U.S. market is ripe for rugby. The
success of the Glendale Raptors and of MLR is critical for the global growth of the sport.
More than simple numbers, however, the values of rugby are inviting to potential partners, sponsors, and
investors. Just like the fans of mainstream sports, business partners are growing increasingly uncomfortable with
the culture of disrespect, scandal, and injury that has become synonymous with organizations like the NFL and
NBA. The business of rugby is rooted in an inclusive, respectful culture, as well as potentially explosive expansion.
The Future
Glendale’s 10-year foundation sets the Raptors and the city apart in the burgeoning U.S. rugby scene. The Raptors’
rich history and robust foundation is just the beginning, however, as the team is poised for a bright and expansive
future. In addition to the enormous growth visible in viewership and participation statistics, the Raptors are
already considering expansion of their Infinity Park complex as the loyal fan base grows, and as Major League
Rugby prepares for additional team and venue signings in 2019. Past is prologue in Glendale, and the business of
rugby has a promising future in the Raptors.
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Glendale Raptors Rugby
2018 Season Media Guide
2018 Schedule
Game times subject to change. Host team listed second.
Saturday, April 21
5pm ET
Austin Elite Rugby @ Glendale Raptors
Infinity Park; Glendale, Colorado
Saturday, April 28
10:30pm ET
Glendale Raptors @ Seattle Seawolves
Seattle, Washington
Saturday or Sunday, May 5/6
Date/Time TBA
Glendale Raptors @ Utah Warriors
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sunday, May 13
8pm ET
San Diego Legion @ Glendale Raptors
Infinity Park; Glendale, Colorado
Saturday, May 26
9pm ET
Glendale Raptors @ San Diego Legion
San Diego, California
Saturday or Sunday, June 2/3
Time TBA
Glendale Raptors @ NOLA Gold
New Orleans, Louisiana
Friday, June 8
9pm ET
Houston SaberCats @ Glendale Raptors
Infinity Park; Glendale, Colorado
Saturday, June 16
9pm ET
Seattle Seawolves @ Glendale Raptors
Infinity Park; Glendale, Colorado
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rugby 101 your guide to understanding the game
Rugby has a generally simple premise, with considerable nuance. The object of the game is to carry the ball
over the opponent’s goal line, the winning team having the highest score at the end of 80 minutes of play.
Major League Rugby competes in Rugby Union, which features 15 players on each side.
SCORING
KICK
PENALTY
There are several ways to score in rugby. A try, worth five points, is A penalty can net the non-
scored when the ball is grounded over the opponent’s goal line. The offending team three points, if
ball must be carried over the line and touched to the ground to score a they elect to kick a shot at goal.
try. After scoring a try a team can attempt to add two additional points During the general course of play,
by converting a kick over the crossbar and through the uprights of the called open play, a player may
goalpost. The kick must be taken at the point where the ball was touched elect to kick a drop goal, which
down 22 meters from the try line. can earn three points if converted.
PASSING
TACKLING
KICKING
Passing is critical in rugby play, Kicking the ball forward is Rugby is a contact sport, though
and differs from passing in permitted in rugby. When a only the ball carrier may be
American Football. In rugby, player kicks the ball forward, tackled by an opposing player.
forward passes are not permitted, only players behind him After the ball carrier is tackled,
so the ball must travel laterally can chase the ball to make he must pass or play the ball
or backward when passed. A a recovery, or to tackle an immediately, and he and the
forward pass is penalized by a opposing player who has tackler must move away from it,
loss of possession. received the kick. Teammates allowing other players to contest
of the kicker in front of him at for possession.
the time the ball is kicked must
retreat until they are passed by a
teammate from behind, placing
them onside.
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rugby 101 your guide to understanding the game
THROW-IN
QUICK
MAUL
KNOCK-ON
When the ball goes out of A maul occurs when one or A knock-on occurs when a team
bounds and no one is around to more opponents hold a ball loses possession of the ball,
form a lineout, it can be quickly carrier off the ground, while resulting from the ball moving
picked up and thrown in by the a member of the ball carrier’s forward due to a mishandled
team in possession. The ball team also binds to the group. catch or dropped ball.
must travel five meters (about The team in possession can
sixteen feet). attempt to gain territory by
driving forward, and the ball can
then be passed to a player not
LINEOUT
in the maul, or a player can leave
the maul with the ball and run.
SCRUM
RUCK
A means of restarting play after
the ball has gone into touch
A scrum is the restarting of play (out of bounds). Forwards line
after a minor infringement of up opposite each other and
the rules. A scrum pits eight perpendicular to the touchline
players from each team in a tight (sideline). The hooker, standing
formation pushing against one A ruck forms when the ball is throws the ball down the middle
another. The scrum half from the on the ground and one or more of the tunnel formed between
team that did not commit the players from each team are on the two teams. The jumper is
infringement rolls the ball into their feet over it. In the ruck the lifted by two teammates to
the tunnel, where players hook ball cannot be played with the gain height and secure the ball.
the ball back to gain possession. hands: players must use their Once the ball is received, the
feet to move the ball, or drive the attacking team may form a maul
opposing players back so that to drive forward or pass the ball
the ball emerges at the team’s immediately.
hindmost foot, at which point it
can be picked up.
Page 10
www.glendaleraptors.com
Glendale Raptors
Media Contact:
Diana Anderson
diana@glendalerugby.com
303.639.4417
Major League Rugby
Media Contact:
Jessica Kunzer
jkunzer@mtsports.com
801.647.2510You can also read
