As the Colorado Rapids prepare to host the first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoff match on Thanksgiving Day, the Denver community is showing its support in a variety of ways.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this national holiday with our fans and to host this first-ever MLS playoff game on Thanksgiving right here at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park,” said Wayne Brant, Rapids Senior Vice President of Business Operations. “More importantly, this historic game has also provided us with a fantastic opportunity to work with our partners and supporters to give back to our community. We’re going to be able to donate over 30 meals to the Food Bank of the Rockies for every fan in attendance on Thursday, which could add up to over half a million meals to people in need across the state.”
The Rapids’ will host Portland Timbers FC at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park at 2:30 p.m. MT on Thanksgiving Day in a match that will be nationally televised on FOX and FOX Deportes. Colorado earned a first-round bye after finishing top of the Western Conference on the final day of the regular season. This is the Rapids’ second playoff appearance in two full seasons under head coach Robin Fraser.
Colorado’s 2021 playoff campaign is presented by Tipico, the club’s exclusive sports betting partner throughout the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Community Activations & Support
- 16 local companies have partnered with the Rapids and Kroenke Sports Charities to donate 30 meals to the Food Bank of the Rockies this Thanksgiving for every fan in attendance at the Rapids’ playoff match. That would add up to over a half-million meals donated if the Rapids see a sold-out crowd on Thursday.
- Playoff Hub at Number 38. Throughout the Rapids’ run in the 2021 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Number 38 will serve as the club’s official playoff hub. The RiNo-based bar hosted the Rapids’ official playoffs kickoff party, along with a watch party of the Round One match between the Portland Timbers and Minnesota United FC, which determined the Burgundy Boys’ opponent in the Western Conference Semifinal. The Rapids will continue to partner with Number 38 throughout the playoffs and will have more activations announced in the near future.
- Over 50 local organizations, including pro teams, college teams, youth clubs and club partners will be expressing their support for the team via social media between Monday and Thursday.
- Player appearances at Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games. The local NBA and NHL teams have welcomed Rapids players in all their home games leading up Thursday’s playoff match. Midfielder Younes Namli will be making an appearance at the Avalanche’s home game tonight against the Ottowa Senators.
Lighting Activations
- Denver landmarks will be lit burgundy. Several iconic locations in the city will be lit up in burgundy lights throughout the week in support of the Rapids:
- Union Station
- Ball Arena
- Millennium Bridge
- McNichols Building
- Ellie Caulkins Opera House
- Buell Theatre
- Independence Plaza
- Davita Building
- The Mile High Tree will feature the Rapids’ crest. Located on the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver, The Mile High Tree, presented by Modelo USA, is the tallest digital tree in the country and Denver’s tallest art installation ever, standing 110-feet tall and decorated with more than 60,000 LED lights.
Gameday Festivities
- 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Central Park. The Rapids have teamed up with the Stanley Harvesting Hope 5K to host a team in the annual race for charity. All participants who sign up with the club’s special code will receive a discount and 100% of the proceeds from the race are donated to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Rapids’ Friendsgiving Tailgate. The biggest Friendsgiving in Colorado will kick off at 10 a.m. MT prior to the Rapids’ match at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Open to the general public, the tailgate will feature a viewing of the Detroit Lions-Chicago Bear NFL game on a 13-foot TV screen along with a live DJ spinning music, various food trucks, craft beer and boozy hot chocolate. Parking is free.
- 16,000 fans will receive a commemorative, 16-inch gameday flag to be used during a special crowd activation prior to the match.
