When the Forward Madison Football Club hosts the North Texas Soccer Club in their final home game of the season on September 22 at historic Breese Stevens Field, they’ll be celebrating more than the conclusion of an epic inaugural season in Madison.
The team, which competes in the USL League One professional soccer league, will also be celebrating the athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin as part of their Featured Non-profit Spotlight program. Special Olympics Wisconsin fans who purchase the featured ticket package for the game will get to sit in the popular grandstand section of Breese Stevens Field and receive either a meal or official Forward Madison scarf included in their ticket price. A portion of the ticket price will also be donated to Special Olympics Wisconsin.
“I can’t wait to see our athletes and fans take in the energy of the match but I’m super excited to see the sold-out crowd celebrate our athletes.” – Alyse Peters of Special Olympics Wisconsin
Fans will also get to watch Special Olympics Wisconsin honored throughout the afternoon as an athlete will get to perform the ceremonial kick-off, team announcers will highlight Special Olympics Wisconsin, and the video board will feature a video promoting Special Olympics Wisconsin. Additionally, fans will also get to participate in a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.
According to Jovan Chavez of the Forward Madison, there should be no shortage of fans in attendance or excitement in the air as the team celebrates Special Olympics Wisconsin. Chavez says that Madison and the surrounding community have really rallied around the Forward this year, making for a truly high-energy atmosphere that should make Special Olympics fans feel incredibly energized and welcomed.
A Forward player dribbles past a defender during a match in their inaugural season
“The response from the city and our fans has been incredible. We have seen record numbers in our stadium. We lead our league in attendance, ticket sales, merchandise sales, and our jersey has been sold and shipped to more than 46 states and 9 countries,” Chavez said.
The instant Forward fanbase reflects a growing popularity of soccer across the United States, demonstrated this summer by the record-breaking viewership of the Women’s World Cup. Soccer is growing in popularity among Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes as well. Case in point, Special Olympics Wisconsin officials had to expand the soccer tournament from one to two days at the 2019 State Summer Games due to increased participation and demand.
And one of Team Wisconsin’s highlights from the 2018 USA Games was their unified soccer team’s gold medal victory against Team Colorado that went down to the wire and put the high drama of soccer on full display.
“The atmosphere is electric! We are really lucky to play at the historic Breese Stevens Field. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in downtown Madison, you really feel the energy that our fans create each home match.” – Jovan Chavez of Forward Madison
It’s exactly this kind of excitement and momentum around soccer, and the Forward, that has Special Olympics Wisconsin eagerly anticipating the game.
“We are so excited and grateful to partner with Forward Madison,” said Alyse Peters, Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Director of Special Events for the region that includes Madison. “They’re such a hot ticket in Madison right now, and rightfully so. I can’t wait to see our athletes and fans take in the energy of the match but I’m super excited to see the sold-out crowd celebrate our athletes.”
The buzz around Forward Madison has resulted in an average attendance of more than 4,200 fans for home games this year. Chavez thinks it’s largely the unparalleled atmosphere that keeps bringing new supporters in and established ones back time and time again.
Fans in the supporter section try to energize the crowd during a Forward Madison match
“The atmosphere is electric. We are really lucky to play at the historic Breese Stevens Field. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in downtown Madison, you really feel the energy that our fans create each home match,” Chavez said. “From our supporters section which chants sing-alongs, waves flags, and never stops supporting our players, to our grandstand sections that provide great views of the field to enjoy the match, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.”
And while clearly games have had excellent attendance and enthusiasm this season, Chavez insists that the game celebrating Special Olympics Wisconsin will take things to the next level.
“This is going to be our final home match of the season so I know the stadium will be packed with our cheering fans, which will surely make it a memorable night,” Chavez said. “We are currently in the playoff hunt so each home game counts and we would love as many Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters there as possible!”
Get your tickets for a A Night at the Pitch with Forward Madison Football Club HERE!
