NYPD-FDNY "Battle on the Pitch" Set for September 24 at Red Bull Arena

HARRISON, NJ (Sept. 7, 2011) – The New York Red Bulls announced that the third annual Battle on the Pitch between the New York Police Department and the Fire Department of New York soccer teams will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Red Bull Arena after the conclusion of the Red Bulls match against the Portland Timbers.

The Red Bulls are scheduled to kick off play with the Timbers at 7:30 PM ET, with the Battle on the Pitch kicking off shortly after the conclusion of the match. Through the admission of any ticket, fans are entitled to attend both contests.

Special $20 endline tickets for the match are available for fans by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER, or by visiting www.newyorkredbulls.com/battleonthepitch. A portion of the funds raised through the end zone tickets will benefit The Sergio Villanueva Foundation and The Widows and Orphans Fund.

“We are anxious to get this game on versus the Fire Department for several reasons - number one being that we will raise money for two great causes,” Lieutenant Ronald Mejia of the New York Police Department Soccer Team said.

“Fans will be supporting two really great charities, they will see some great competition, and they’ll be around fans who are passionate about the FDNY and the NYPD,” Firefighter Joe Brosi said. “I think it will be a really great match.”

The annual match was founded in 2009 and was initially referred to as the Mayor’s Cup. The FDNY won in 2009 and the NYPD claimed victory in 2010.

Although the match has the title of being a scrimmage, Brosi claims that for the two sides the game represents much more.  

“For 90 minutes it is a heated rivalry. Prior to the game and after the game we are very good friends,” Brosi said. “More importantly though, it is about the good we are able to do, the money we are able to raise, and the message we are allowed to share through the sport of soccer.”