ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (August 19, 2024) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today the club will host its fourth annual Rowdies 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, presented by Colony Grill, on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Al Lang Stadium.
The Rowdies 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb invites first responders, active military members and veterans from the Tampa Bay Area to climb 2,200 stairs in remembrance of the brave men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
“What began as a simple inquiry from one of our season ticket members has now turned into one of the most special events we host at Al Lang Stadium,” said Tampa Bay Rowdies President Ryan Helfrick. “We’re honored to demonstrate our gratitude to our local first responders through this memorial stair climb and we look forward to continuing to host them for years to come.”
This year’s event will be split into two sessions and will include an opening ceremony. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. ET, with the first session and opening ceremony kicking off at 8:30 a.m. ET. The opening ceremony will include a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem, a moment of silence and group photo. Lunch will be provided by Colony Grill, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. The second session begins at 10:30 a.m. ET and is open to participants who wish to jog or run the steps.
Additionally, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will be on site to provide additional resources to anyone attending the event.
Free registration is open until Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET. First responders, active military members or veterans interested in participating can register here. Participants will receive a complimentary ticket to the Rowdies First Responders Night match Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Rowdies 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb began in 2021 when a Rowdies season ticket holder and member of the U.S. Coast Guard approached the team with the idea of hosting the event at Al Lang Stadium. The first iteration involved ten participants, and quickly grew to 160 by 2023 when local first responders were invited to participate.
About Tampa Bay Rowdies:
The Tampa Bay Rowdies are a professional soccer club, competing as a member of the USL Championship since 2017. The Rowdies home stadium is Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. Carrying on the legacy of the club’s original era, the modern Rowdies were reborn in 2010 and quickly established themselves as one of the United States’ premier soccer clubs, winning the North American Soccer League’s Soccer Bowl Champions in 2012. Since joining the USL Championship, the Rowdies have captured two Eastern Conference titles and one regular season championship. From 1975-1984, the Rowdies were one of the most successful teams in the original NASL, winning the Soccer Bowl Championship in 1975 and reaching the final again in 1978 and 1979. More information on The Rowdies can be found at www.rowdiessoccer.com.
About Colony Grill
With a pizza unlike any other, Colony Grill provides simple enjoyment, exceptional hospitality, and abundant support to the communities in which our restaurants are located. Since 1935, Colony Grill has been serving its unique, bar-style pizzas and famous hot oil topping, and now has restaurant locations in Connecticut, New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida.
