Get Ready for the Battle for the Mitten in East Lansing

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA), and the Michigan State University rugby team are pleased to announce that Friday, October 19^th at 7 p.m. the MSU rugby team will take on the University of Michigan rugby team at Cooley Law School Stadium in the Battle for the Mitten.

“The Battle for the Mitten is a great opportunity for both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan to showcase two of the oldest and proudest club sports teams in Michigan,” said Josh Ressio, MSU Club Rugby Player and Battle for the Mitten Organizer. “This showcase will spotlight the significant growth that collegiate rugby has seen since its humble beginnings and will skyrocket MSU’s team to new heights.”

This inaugural event will serve as an exciting kickoff to the big in-state football rivalry weekend and organizers hope it will showcase downtown Lansing to visitors and have all the tension and energy of a classic Spartan versus Wolverine match-up. This is the first-ever rugby event for Cooley Law School Stadium.

“This event will be a great chance to bring people to downtown Lansing to showcase an area with a new exciting energy offering many vibrant bars, restaurants, and events to explore,” continued Ressio. “The stadium district is a perfect showcase for this event with state-of-the-art amenities perfect for accommodating the families as well as the passionate sports fans we hope to draw in with this event.”

The event will also offer a free youth rugby clinic put on by Conquest Health & Fitness Foundation, the GLSA and the Capital Area Crisis Rugby Team. The clinic is open to boys and girls 8-12, no experience necessary. The first 25 to register for the youth clinic get free admission (plus one adult) to the Battle for the Mitten event. Youth clinic begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by mini flag game at half time on the field.

Gates open at 5 p.m., the game will begin at 7 p.m. with tickets starting at just $10. For additional ticket or event information contact event organizer Josh Ressio at ressiojo@msu.edu. For more information about the Greater Lansing Sports Authority, visit www.lansingsports.org.