FC Cincinnati will be dropping a horde of mini soccer balls from a helicopter into its new home, the West End Stadium, on May 2.
There will be no fans in the stands as these tiny projectiles hurtle toward the ground. Instead, the stunt is part of the FC Cincinnati Foundation’s Ball Drop raffle to win $2,500 and two Tunnel Club tickets to the home opener of the 2021 MLS Season. The winner will be randomly selected in a dart-like game as the mini soccer balls are released over a target in West End Stadium’s pitch; the ball closest to the bullseye is the winner.
The chance to enter the raffle officially ends at 5 p.m. April 15. Participants can purchase one ticket for $10, three tickets for $25, 10 tickets for $50 and 25 tickets for $100. Each mini soccer ball will have a corresponding raffle ticket number.
The mission of the FC Cincinnati Foundation is to "improve the lives of children in the Greater Cincinnati area through the game of soccer."
To enter, participants must be at least 18 years old and be a U.S. resident within 75 miles of Cincinnati’s West End Stadium or be a resident of Lexington or Louisville, Kentucky, or Indianapolis, Indiana.
In addition to the cash prize, the raffle winner will receive a “home opener experience,” according to organizers. With two Tunnel Club tickets, participants can dine in an exclusive, upscale room with access to a chef-driven menu and top-shelf alcohol. Seating is available midfield inside the team bench area where participants will get close access to the players and referees.
The winning raffle ticket number will be announced on May 2 and posted to the raffle website.
FC Cincinnati will play its home opener at West End Stadium on May 16 against Inter Miami CF. (View the full FCC season schedule.)
In order to claim the prize, the raffle winner must contact the FC Cincinnati Foundation by phone at 513-977-5404 or by email at [email protected] within 30 days of the conclusion of the raffle period (April 15) and present the winning ticket in person at the Foundation’s offices, which are located at 14 E. Fourth St., Fourth Floor.
Excluding the prize package, all proceeds will go to fund the FC Cincinnati Foundation’s programming for local youth’s academic performance, character values and health.
Visit fccincinnati.giv.ng to enter the raffle.
