Rugby Rally Pre-Game Fan Fest

Are You Ready to Rally Rugby-Style? Rugby fans are invited to Rugby Rally presented by Bud Light and The New Hot 95.7 Houston’s Hot Hits, the official pre-game celebration featuring music, food, the Bud Light beer garden, a special USA Rugby Raffle and more on Saturday, June 23^rdat 4:30 p.m.  The event is free and open to all ages. 

Fans are encouraged to come out early to experience an authentic rugby fan fest prior to the USA vs. Italy game.  The event will take place adjacent to Lucky’s Pub on Rusk at St. Emanuel, known to Houston Dynamo fans as Orange Avenue.  Entertainment will be provided on the Bud Light stage by DJ Wu Chang from The New Hot 95.7 Houston’s Hot Hits.  Lucky’s Pub will have food and beverage tents offering fans great pre-game dining options. 

In addition, the event will include vendor booths from USA Rugby with official USA Rugby merchandise, The World Rugby Shop featuring international rugby merchandise; The Italian Cultural Center offering fans the chance to explore Italian culture; Rugby Texas; and the USA Rugby Raffle.

Tailgating & Parking

Due to the baseball game, tailgating will not be available in Lots B & C, however; there are a variety of private lots and street parking in the area available along with taxi cab and private car drop off/pick up points and pedi-cabs in the area to transport fans to Rugby Rally and the game.  Fans taking public transportation or riding their bicycles will receive a special gift from USA Rugby.  Additional parking information can be found online at http://www.bbvacompassstadium.com/parking-map.

The Match

The USA Rugby Men’s National Team, the Eagles, will host Italy at BBVA Compass Stadium on Saturday, June 23^rdat 7:30 p.m., as one of the few international matches being held in the U.S. this year.  The last time the two nations clashed was in September 2011, when Italy knocked the USA out of contention for the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarterfinals in New Zealand, defeating the Americans 27-10 in the last match of pool play match.  Newly hired USA Head Coach, Mike Tolkin, and his team will look to correct problems in their RWC exit and put a stamp on the new coaching era.  Tickets for the USA vs. Italy available online at www.axs.comor www.bbvacompassstadium.comor by calling 888-929-7849.  Prices start at just $15. 

About USA Rugby

Founded in 1975, USA Rugby is an official member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization has approximately 90,000 members and is responsible for the development of the boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club rugby programs, and ultimately all of the national teams representing the U.S. in international competitions.  The current structure of USA Rugby comprises seven Territorial Unions (TU) and 34 Local Area Unions (LAU) that compete for regional and National Championships.  USA Rugby's national headquarters is located in Boulder, Colo., and is run by full-time staff under the direction of current CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville.