Chicago Hounds unleashed an unforgettable experience

For those that had a ruff week, Chicago Hounds Rugby unleashed the Dawg Town Block Party, a festival for loyal rugby fans to forget their daily troubles. Enthusiasts of this unique football variation were treated to an experience on July 8, 2023, right outside the SeatGeek Stadium at 7000 South Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview, Illinois from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Food trucks full of goodies and vendors promoting their individual businesses were lined up for the immersive Dawg Town Block Party next to various teams playing on the nearby grassy fields.

When entering the parking lot premises one could view that some had already started a tailgate party. Thanks to strategically placed portable toilets participants didn't even need to go inside to relieve themselves after drinking liquids.

After ticket holders passed a security check they entered the stadium to find their seats. Opportunities to purchase merchandise, beverages such as spiked lemonades and delicious crispy chicken sandwiches from Big Chicken among other things were offered along the outer edge of the venue.

DJ Diesel, also known as Shaquille O'Neal, played a wide range of heavy-hitting tunes. With a trademark gravelly voice to his tone, the basketball star encouraged the dancing crowd to wave their pointer finger in the air and designated several youngsters to join him onstage for brief photographs during his set.

More than 10,000 people watched the 2023 Major League Rugby Championship game that day once the gates opened. Special access seating directly in front of the playing field gave purchasers a chance to escape the sometimes rowdy and vocal fans sitting up in the bleachers. The players were also pumped up with excitement and displayed enthusiastic spirits on both teams.

New England Free Jacks triumphed over the San Diego Legion in a heated battle to obtain their first MLR Championship Shield. The game was close and evenly matched after New England's previous 11 wins and San Diego's 14 wins in a row.

After the game, attendees enjoyed a postgame concert with American Celtic band Dropkick Murphys before heading home.

Someone should have been given an award for best legs that Saturday because there were multiple lower limbs on display that day that deserved some attention!

Windy City's professional rugby team Chicago Hounds has recently completed their inaugural season at SeatGeek Stadium. Amble over to ChicagoHounds.com to pick up tickets for upcoming games.