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Major League Rugby have confirmed that the 2023 Championship Final will be played at Chicago’s SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday, July 8. It will be the third time a set venue has been used for a final, with San Diego’s Torero Stadium used in both 2018 and 2019. The 2021 and 2022 finals were played at the home venue of the highest ranked team.
SeatGeek Stadium is new to the league, having hosted two games to date. It has a capacity of 20,000 and features a Kentucky Bluegrass pitch. Six internationals have taken place the venue formerly known as Toyota Park. The most recent was in November 2016 when the Eagles hosted the New Zealand Māori.
A full day of events are being planned around the game. MLR’s press release can be read below.
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“Moving the Championship Match to a predetermined venue has long been a goal of Major League Rugby,” said Major League Rugby 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 Match will be the culmination of an all-day block party festival to be held at SeatGeek Stadium. During the lead up to the game, the block party will feature competitive rugby games at all levels together with local food and drink offerings and a live music festival atmosphere.
“We are excited to showcase all that American rugby has to offer through it’s remarkable growth from top level Men’s and Women’s club games to youth rugby and everything in between,” said Majority Owner of the Chicago Hounds Peter Bernick. “The weekend will feature Chicago’s food and music scene while building towards the Major League Rugby Championship Match on Saturday afternoon at SeatGeek. We expect a full house for what will be a fantastic weekend and can’t wait to bring this event to Chicago.”
In future seasons, Major League Rugby intends to allow venues, both within and outside the league, the opportunity to host the Championship Final.
The 2023 Championship Match will air nationally on FOX at 2:00 p.m. CST on July 8th. More information about weekend activities, travel packages, and ticket sales will be forthcoming on Major League Rugby’s social media channels and website,
