Dallas Sidekicks open at home Saturday, bringing North Texas fast-paced indoor soccer

ALLEN, Texas – Dec. 8, 2023 – The Dallas Sidekicks are ready to dazzle in Saturday’s home opener, celebrating their winning roots and boasting a rejuvenated team under a new coach, a roster of fan-friendly activities and the addition of notable co-owners and business sponsors.

The indoor soccer game, at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen against Mesquite’s Texas Outlaws, promises an electrifying atmosphere with affordable, family-style entertainment. Tickets are available at dallassidekicks.com/tickets or at the box office, and doors open at 6 p.m.

“The Dallas Sidekicks are not just a team. We are a community of passionate soccer enthusiasts,” said Jesse Llamas, team president. “Our first game in Allen is a fresh beginning, in a vibrant atmosphere. This season, the excitement is unstoppable.’’

Part of the Major Arena Soccer League, the team begins under the guidance of a new head coach, Ed Puskarich, with a revamped roster, about two thirds returning players and the rest newcomers and rookies, with seven-season veteran and captain Jamie Lovegrove and the recently signed Moises Hernandez in his professional indoor soccer debut.

“The league should look out for the Sidekicks. We’re going to rock ’n’ roll this year,” said Puskarich, a Dallas native who played soccer and football at SMU and started his professional soccer career in 1984 with the Houston Dynamo in the United Soccer League.

Puskarich had a pro career in indoor and outdoor soccer spanning more than 19 years, before moving into coaching, including with the Dallas Burn and in the college ranks. He brought in former Sidekicks players Terry Woodberry and Kiley Couch as assistant coaches.

In a nod to their past, the Sidekicks announced that longtime sports radio host, Norm Hitzges, will take part in the game’s ceremonial first kick and then be a guest in the play-by-play booth. Hitzges, a commentator of Sidekicks games in their early days, recently retired from Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 AM The Ticket.

Allen Mayor Baine Brooks declared Saturday “Dallas Sidekicks Day.” Special discounts on concessions will be available at the game and, in a free giveaway, fans can get a team poster. After that and every game, there is a player meet-and-greet for autographs and photos. Also on hand: “Kick” The Kangaroo mascot and the Dallas Sidekicks Dancers.

The second home game, Dec. 16, is Foundation Night, and any nonprofit can contact the team in advance for a special ticket link in which they’d receive a portion of the sales. The final home game this month, Dec. 28, is Family Night, with specials on tickets and concessions.

In the runup to the first home game, the Sidekicks welcomed new high-profile co-owners, including former Dallas Mavericks star Eddie Nájera and e-gaming entrepreneur Hector Rodriguez, CEO of Optic Gaming.

The team also expanded its roster of business sponsors, showcasing growing support from local businesses, Among them: Advanced EV, Alliance Bank, Cryoboost, Dots Pretzels, Marsh McLennan, Nue Vodka, Pillar Commercial, PIT Performance, Pollo Campero, Protime Club ID, Takis and Zunte Mezcal.

About the Dallas Sidekicks

The Dallas Sidekicks are an American professional indoor soccer team of the Major Arena Soccer League. The organization was established in 1984, is headquartered in Allen, Texas, and plays all home games at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen. Follow the Sidekicks at www.dallassidekicks.com and on their social media channels: Facebook: @gosidekicksofficial Twitter: @gosidekicks Instagram: @gosidekicksofficial

Media contacts

Jillian Garber jillian@dallassidekicks.com

469-393-0160

Caitlin Reilly caitlin@dallassidekicks.com

469-393-0160