SeatGeek To Host 2023 Major League Rugby Championship Match

BRIDGEVIEW, IL – SeatGeek Stadium has been selected to host the 2023 Major League Rugby championship match on July 8. The Bridgeview sports arena is home to MLR’s newest expansion team, the Chicago Hounds.

Major League Rugby CEO Nic Benson said moving the championship match to a predetermined venue has long been a goal of MLR.

“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,” Benson said in a news release. “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, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. 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.

“We are excited to showcase all that American rugby has to offer through its remarkable growth from top level men’s and women’s club games to youth rugby and everything in between,” Peter Bernick said, majority owner of the Chicago Hounds. “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.”

The Chicago Hounds played their first game in franchise history Feb. 18 against Old Glory DC in Washington, DC. Check out the Hounds 2023 schedule.

SeatGeek is also home to the Chicago Fire II Major League Soccer and the Chicago Red Stars National Women’s Soccer League team, and a host of concerts and other regional events.

In future seasons, MLR 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 Sports at 2 p.m. CST on July 8. More information about weekend activities, travel packages, and ticket sales will be forthcoming on Major League Rugby. Keep up with MLR happenings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.