FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 3, 2025
Santa Clara, CA — The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is thrilled to announce that the 2024 CRAA Championship Weekend will take place at Kuntz Memorial Stadium in partnership with Riverside Sports Properties. The event will be held from May 2-4, 2025, bringing together the best collegiate rugby talent for an unforgettable weekend of elite competition.
A Showcase of Collegiate Rugby’s Best
The Championship Weekend will feature four premier national championships and bowl matches, including:
- D1A Men’s National Championship
- D1A Challenger’s Cup
- D1AA Men’s National Championship
- D1AA Bowl Championship
- Women’s 7s College Premier National Championship (PNC) and College Club National Championship
This action-packed weekend will celebrate the skill, dedication, and passion of collegiate rugby players from across the country, crowning champions in both XVs and 7s formats. “We are excited to bring the 2025 Championship Weekend to the new rugby purpose-built facility at Kuntz Memorial Stadium,” said Paul Santinelli, Executive Director of CRAA. “This venue, in collaboration with Riverside Sports Properties, the City of Indianapolis and the Indiana Sports Corp, will provide the perfect setting to showcase the pinnacle of collegiate rugby and celebrate the achievements of our student-athletes.”
The Perfect Venue for Rugby’s Big Stage
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, Kuntz Memorial Stadium is undergoing a major renovation to and set to launch a premier rugby facility, offering state-of-the-art amenities and a fan-friendly atmosphere. The new rugby purpose-built facility is adding 8,000 seats, a public plaza, improved lighting, an enhanced facility and field improvements. CRAA’s partnership with Riverside Sports Properties ensures a first-class experience for players, coaches, and supporters.
“Kuntz Stadium represents a tremendous opportunity to serve the Midwest rugby community and establish a true home for college rugby in the heartland of America,” said Paul Keeler, president of CRAA. “This facility will not only elevate the game but also foster a sense of pride and belonging for rugby players, fans, and future generations throughout the region.”
“We are pleased that the country’s best men and women college rugby players will have an opportunity to compete at Kuntz Stadium and enjoy the hospitality that has made Indianapolis famous for hosting the largest and best sporting events in the world. We look forward to collaborating with CRAA and USA Rugby, the City of Indianapolis, the Indiana Sports Corp and the Riverside Community to make Kuntz the preferred home for CRAA.” -Brian Williams, Riverside Sports Properties
Plan Your Trip
Rugby fans from across the country are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan their trips to this marquee event. Ticket information, schedules, and additional details will be released in the coming months.
About Riverside Sports Properties
Kuntz Stadium, located at 1502 W 16th Street, has a heritage dating back to the 1950s and was last renovated in 1987 at a cost of $1.3 million to support Indianapolis as host of the Pan Am Games. As of this year, Kuntz Stadium is now managed and operated by Riverside Sports Properties, LLC, a group of local business and sports professionals. A Multi-phase, Multi-million dollar revitalization plan has been implemented to redevelop the entire property to align with the vision for Riverside Park and to better serve the neighborhood, the community, amateur and professional sports today and into the future. More information can be found at www.RiversideSportsProperties.com.
About CRAA
The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is the governing body for elite collegiate rugby programs in the United States. CRAA oversees competition, development, and pathways for athletes aspiring to achieve at the highest levels of the sport. CRAA is dedicated to promoting and growing collegiate rugby across the United States. CRAA supports student-athletes by providing a high level of competition, fostering leadership, and helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: psantinelli@craa.rugby
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