There's plenty to do between the two tournaments this year. Schwan's USA CUP has created various toursim opportunities for your team. You can shop to your hearts content with our package to the Albertville Outlet Mall, Cabela's and Mall of America. If you're into thrills, Valleyfair in Shakopee offers one of the Midwest's best amusement park experiences. Perhaps soaking in the wonders of science and experiencing the enormous OmniTheater at the Minnesota Science Musuem is up your team's alley.

The first ever Puma-branded Schwan's USA CUP t-shirts are now on sale through an internet based pre-sale offer. Ordering through pre-sale offers benefits: it guarantees that you will get the sizes you want, plus you will receive a gift with purchase!! Check it out!

 

Coaches, are you short of players due to injury or other commitments? Aren't having any luck finding a player to complete your roster? Then the Schwan's USA CUP Guest Player Program is for you. It connects coaches with players who want to have the USA CUP experience.

 

Players, are you looking for a team to play on during Schwan's USA CUP? Apply now for the USA CUP Guest Player Program. For more information, to apply as a guest player, and to request guest players for your team, please visit our website here.

This year's tournament is going to be one of our largest ever and we need your help to make it happen! Puma, as the new title presenting sponsor, brings new dynamics to our campus through innovative activities, merchandise and cultural exchange. Share the experience with us!

 

Remember: Volunteers working eight hours or more receive a unique staff shirt that serves as a uniform and provides access to many tournament activities. Volunteers 19 years old and younger will also receive a participant wristband for access to Schwan's USA CUP activities. Sign-up with a friend we can schedule you together.

 

For more information or to apply visit the volunteer section of the website.

One of the things that distinguishes this tournament from others is the opportunity to interact not only on the field, but off as well. Meet-a-Team is one of the most valuable vehicles for connecting participants- forming bonds that last not only for the duration of the tournament, but sometimes for a lifetime. This "buddy" program matches local teams with visiting teams. In the past, buddy teams have attended MN Thunder professional soccer games together, thrown picnics, gone tubing down the Apple River, and attended Valleyfair amusement park, the possibilities are endless! Applications for Meet-a-Team (Due July 2nd) are included in the SCHWAN'S USA CUP Activities Packet.

 

Meet-a-Team is just one of the over 40 activities available for participants to enjoy throughout the week. Go to the Forms/Activities section of the Schwan's USA CUP website to see the current line-up of exciting activities. Check back frequently for additions to the growing schedule and for the most up-to-date information on activity times, dates, and locations.

We are only a few weeks away from the start of the Schwan's USA CUP and PUMA has some more exciting news for you! In the last e-mail blast, we told you about the PUMA Lounge and what would be taking place inside. In this edition, we wanted to let you know about some of things going on outside of the Lounge. You ready yet? Good.

 

Each participant will be receiving a PUMA Passport, which will be essential while traveling around USA CUP. Make sure to look through the entire piece because there are some interactive activities that will give you the chance to win some great prizes. In the passport you will find a map of the National Sports Center facility, an overview of the PUMA Lounge and a booklet that will guide you through your USA CUP journey. This booklet will lead you to different locations around the facility, and upon receiving the necessary stamps from each point of interest you must return it to the Lounge and will be entered into a raffle to win some great PUMA Italian gear.

 

We all know that it is going to be hot in Blaine during the tournament, so let PUMA help keep you stay cool. Aside from the air conditioned Lounge, we will be bringing 10' x 10' inflatable misting tents to help keep you cool in the hot summer sun. Whether you are just walking around or trying to cool off after a grueling match, make sure you keep an eye out for the big red misting tents.

 

We mentioned that Minnesota's own "Preacha" will be providing air-brushed tattoos in the Lounge during select times, but he will also be doing some great things outside the Lounge. There will be a huge graffiti wall where he will be showing off some of his incredible talents. But don't forget to bring your team by to take part in the action by tagging the wall with your team name so you become part of the Puma Graffiti Wall

 

Be sure to stay tuned because we will have some more exciting announcements in the last e-mail blast just prior to the USA CUP kicking off. Until then, spread the word on what PUMA will be offering and talk to you soon!

Email: market@usacup.org

 

Website: www.usacup.org

 

Phone: 1.800.535.4730

The National Sports Center (NSC) is pleased to announce the Schwan's USA CUP Soccer Challenge, a David vs. Golaith match-up between the Minnesota Thunder and the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer (MLS). The contest will take place on Tuesday, July 17 as part of Schwan's USA CUP festivities. Kickoff is set for 7:35 p.m. in the NSC Stadium.

 

The Kansas City Wizards currently maintain a 6-4-2 record (20 pts.), good for third place in their division, while the Thunder are 2-6-5 (11 pts.) in USL-1 play. Although the game will not count toward either team's official record, it will provide fans the rare opportunity to witness an MLS team in Minnesota.

 

Schwan's USA CUP youth participants will receive an $8 youth general admission ticket if purchased in advance from the NSC. A ticket flyer is posted at www.usacup.org.

 

Tickets are also available to the general public on a pre-order and walk-up basis at the following prices: $10 for youth general admission, $14 for adult general admission.

 

On the day of the game, tickets will be available at the NSC box office, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

Contact Kara Radeke at 763.792.7353 for advance youth participant ticket orders only. Tickets can also be purchased at Final Team Check-in.

 

Click here to read the full press release.

Once again for 2007, Coca-Cola is presenting teams with the opportunity to buy drinks in bulk for players.

 

Dasani water, Powerade and Arizona Tea will all be available at the Schwan Center for bulk purchase. Bags of ice will also be available for purchase. The Coke Store will be open starting Friday, July 13 at 8:00 am and will be open while all tournament games are being played.