US Field Hockey Press Release: Ticket applications are now available for field hockey's 2005 Rabobank Hockey Champions Challenge, 8-16 July at the USA Field Hockey National Training Center in Virginia Beach.
The Champions Challenge features six of the world's top ranked teams as the teams prepare for the 2006 Women's World Cup. The tournament field includes England, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the host USA.
Tickets for the event start at $5 for single-day general admission with multi-session, VIP and group packages also available. There is no charge for children under the age of 12. Ticket forms are available on the tournament's official website at www.womenschampionschallenge2005.com/ or by contacting USA Field Hockey at 719 866-4567.
The USA women open the tournament on Friday, 8 July, against long-time rival South Africa before taking on New Zealand on Saturday, 9 July. The USA's schedule continues with matches Monday, 11 July, and Wednesday, 13 July, before concluding round-robin play on Thursday, 14 July, against Spain.
The tournament concludes on Saturday, 16 July, with classification matches.
The Virginia Beach event marks the third Rabobank Hockey Champions Challenge after previous tournament in 2002 in Randburg, South Africa, and 2003 in Catania, Italy. The USA is the only team to have competed in both previous tournaments and placed fifth in both events.
The tournament marks the return of a major international field hockey event in the United States for the first times since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. In addition to the Olympic Tournament, the USA hosted the 1989 men’s World Cup qualifier (Intercontinental Cup) in Madison, New Jersey, and the 1993 women’s World Cup qualifier in Philadelphia.
For additional tournament information visit the tournament website at www.womenschampionschallenge2005.com/
