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by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL — Zachary Kropp has won a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing the National Anthem at Wrigley Field as part of ‘Out at Wrigley' presented by MTM Chicago and the 2012 ‘Out At Wrigley' committee.

Kropp competed against 15 semifinalists to earn a spot during the finals held Tuesday, July 10 at Sidetrack, where a panel of five judges chose him as the winner.

"I actually started the competition by accident," confessed Kropp. "I got called into T's to work, because Colm Treacy (owner, T's Restaurant and Bar) said that he wanted an extra server to cover the event. I thought ‘while I'm here, I'd compete.' I never really expected to win."

An Indiana-native, Kropp said the honor was extra-special because his dad is a huge Cubs fan.

D'Angelo DaJuan Hampton, Vasily Deris, Christian Castillo and Mara Stewart rounded out the list of finalists, each raising the competition level and making the final decision difficult for the judges.

"I believe this was the best group of people I've heard compete in the event," said singer Amy Armstrong, who served as one of the judges. "Zachary had a strong, stoic voice and a great stage presence."

The judges for the finals competition were Armstrong (ChicagoPride.com), Mark Nagel (Grab Magazine), Zach Haller (Found in Town), Kaitlyn August (Chicago Cubs) and 2010 ‘Out at Wrigley' Anthem Contest winner Elizabeth Thresher. 

‘Out at Wrigley' takes place on Sunday, August 26, with first pitch at 1:20 p.m. as the Chicago Cubs host the Colorado Rockies. Bleacher reserved seats are $50 and all-inclusive Budweiser VIP Patio seats are $130.

Also as part of ‘Out at Wrigley,' a member of the LGBT community will throw the ceremonial first pitch. The First Pitch competition begins this Sunday, July 15. 

Additional event details, including pre-event party dates and venues as well as upcoming news about the after party is available at: www.outatwrigley.com.

Sponsors and partners for ‘Out at Wrigley' include Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), Crew, Found in Town (FiT), ChicagoPride.com, OUTinCHI, Ro-Bro Marketing & Public Relations, sUpErGuRL ImAgEs, The L Stop and Time Out Chicago. Major event sponsor is Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser). 

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