Major League Rugby Championship & Shaq Coming To The Chicago Southland

Olympia Fields, Ill. – (June 13, 2023) – The passion of the fan base in the inaugural season for the MLR’s Chicago Hounds was so impressive, the league announced the team’s home field, SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, will host the 2023 MLR Championship Match on Saturday, July 8th.

“Moving the Championship Match to a predetermined venue has long been a goal of Major League Rugby,” said MLR CEO Nic Benson. “As the league continues to show an exceptional pattern of growth, we believe this is the perfect time to plan an entire weekend of fun rugby and fan events around our showcase game. Chicago’s rich history of hosting large scale rugby events combined with a great facility in SeatGeek Stadium, makes for the perfect place to celebrate and honor our athletes and fans.”

The Championship event will also feature a “Dawg Town Block Party” fan festival which includes rugby-specific activities, food & beverages, vendors plus musical performances by DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and American Celtic band Dropkick Murphys.

“To host the MLR Championship in its inaugural year is incredibly special and speaks to the fantastic ownership group and wonderful community partner the Chicago Hounds are,” said Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO/President Jim Garrett. “We can’t wait to host both die-hard and novice rugby fans at this Championship Day extravaganza!”

Only one ticket is necessary to attend the Dawg Town Block Party, concerts and Championship game and can be purchased at https://tickets.chicagohounds.com/#/event-details/major-league-rugby-championship. Out-of-town guests can book a hotel room by clicking HERE, find additional weekend attractions and learn more about the Chicago Southland at https://www.visitchicagosouthland.com.