Texas-based rock band Bowling For Soup will highlight the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Halftime Show, broadcast live to a national television audience on ABC Sports on Saturday, July 30 (3:30 p.m. ET). Major League Soccer's 10th annual All-Star Game features the 2005 MLS All-Star squad taking on English Premier League club Fulham FC at Columbus Crew Stadium in the return of former MLS All-Stars and current Fulham standouts Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra.
Jive recording artists Bowling For Soup, who will be performing their hits "1985" and "Ohio" during the All-Star halftime show, have become a mainstay on MTV 2 and VH1 following the smashing success of their latest album A Hangover You Don't Deserve, which was recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Known for their undeniably catchy pop hooks, their love of old-school metal, and comical interviews, the band scored a Grammy nomination in 2003 in the Best Performance Pop By a Duo or Group category for their power-pop sing-a-long "Girl All the Bad Guys Want."
"Major League Soccer is pleased to welcome Bowling for Soup to highlight our 10th Season celebrations at the 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game," said Soccer United Marketing Enterprises President Doug Quinn. "With performers like Christina Aguilera, Michelle Branch, Paulina Rubio and Switchfoot highlighting past MLS events, we are proud to continue the tradition of providing world-class entertainment at our marquee events."
Hailing from the small town of Wichita Falls, TX, Bowling For Soup's previous single "1985" became one of the fastest-selling digital tracks to date. Their lyrics often deal with relatable stories on relationships and the common trials and tribulations facing teens and 20-somethings.
"It's great to be a part of a Major League Soccer event, as all of us grew up playing soccer," said lead singer Jaret Reddick. "In fact, watch for me doing a bicycle kick during our performance."
Bowling For Soup's 2000 release Let's Do It For Johnny and 2002's Drunk Enough to Dance have sold more than 300,000 copies and spawned the hit singles "Punk Rock 101" and "Girl All The Bad Guys Want." The band recently finished up their first sold-out headline tour and have also co-headlined a tour with Avril Lavigne, following appearances on the 2005 Warped Tour with Blink-182 and Sum 41.
The 2005 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game featuring Fulham FC offers four levels of ticket pricing, ranging from $25 to $45 for individuals, and $17 to $30 for groups of 20 or more. Fans can purchase group and season ticket packages by contacting the Columbus Crew at (614) 447-2739; by logging onto www.thecrew.com and by visiting Crew Stadium advance sales windows during all Columbus Crew home games. Individual tickets can also be purchased by calling TicketMaster - (614) 431-3600 (Columbus area) or online at www.ticketmaster.com and at all TicketMaster outlets.
Crew Stadium, the site of MLS Cup 2001, will host its second MLS All-Star Game since 2000. During All-Star Weekend, Sierra Mist and MLS will host numerous soccer-themed events, activities and tournaments at Crew Stadium and in the Columbus area. Check out www.MLSnet.com for more details.
