Chicago Hounds Rugby Host MLR Championship And Block Party At SeatGeek

CHICAGO – DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and American Celtic band Dropkick Murphys are set to perform July 8 at the 2023 MLR Championship Final at SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Chicago Hounds Rugby are planning a full day of fan-focused entertainment including concerts, and rugby events

In addition to the headline performers and championship game, the Chicago Hounds-hosted festivities will include the Dawg Town Block Party fan festival, showcasing the best of Chicago rugby and culture through Windy City-themed vendors, musicians, food, and drinks.

Rugby-specific activations will include a youth tournament, high-performance combine, social sevens tournament, and rugby 101 sessions. Tickets for the event are on-sale now and include access to all of the day’s festivities.

Full schedule announced:

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Dawg Town Block Party – Food, Music, and Rugby
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Pregame concert featuring DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal)
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: MLR Championship Final live on Fox (US) & The Rugby Network (International)
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Postgame concert featuring Dropkick Murphys

“The 2023 MLR Championship Final promises to be our biggest and best yet,” Nic Benson, MLR CEO said in a news release. “It will be the culmination of an exciting season and will have something for everyone to enjoy. A trip to Chicago should be on every rugby fan’s to-do list this summer. We cannot wait.”

Peter Bernick, majority owner, Chicago Hounds Rugby, said the team is throwing the Dawg Town Block Party for diehard rugby fans and for anyone looking to learn more about the sport.

“The Chicago Hounds are proud to host the 2023 Major League Rugby Championship Game, Bernick said. “Come on out and enjoy an old-fashioned Chicago summer block party. Welcome to Dawg Town.”

For information, tickets, and travel packages, for the Dawg Town Block Party and MLR Championship Final, visit Chicago Hounds Block Party. Tickets start at $ 40.

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 by 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, visit Major League Rugby.

Chicago Hounds Rugby is a professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby, North America’s professional rugby competition. The Hounds were named as a Major League Rugby expansion franchise in 2022 and are currently playing their inaugural season at SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview.