On the Beat with the Chicago Rush: Media Day

There is a new owner, a revamped logo, a new color, new uniforms and a new feeling to the Chicago Rush this season.  Everything new, including the 2013 Rush team, was introduced Monday at the Chicago Rush Media Day.

There is also a new media member who will be following the team this season and that is me!  On Monday, thanks to the hospitality of Director of Marketing and Public Relations Mike McLaughlin, I attended Chicago Rush Media Day at the Dome in Rosemont. 

The media and some fans all gathered to meet the new owner, returning Coach Bob McMillen and the Rush team.  I was able to get some interesting thoughts during interviews with six members of the organization.  The recurring themes were dedication, commitment and stressing the positives.

New owner David Staral is a Chicago native and a sports fan.  He admits the whole deal came together quickly, but everything is on solid ground and there is plenty of reason for optimism.  He is committed to winning.

The tweaked logo retains the basic elements of the previous logo, but the color red has been added.  The red has lead to the theme of “redemption" for the team.  It is a small change, but one that should have a big impact.

One element that hasn’t changed is Coach McMillen.  The Arena League legend is still at the helm and is more positive than ever.  A steadying force throughout the transition, McMillen is determined to bring the Rush to a championship.

Obviously, Media Day is supposed to be a positive experience, but all involved with the Rush seemed so committed to the new era of Rush football, I could not help but feel this wasn’t just marketing hype.  I talked to several members of the organization, both on and off the record.  I have never seen such determination and positive feelings as I did Monday.

Chicago radio legend Les Grobstein has seen it all in his years of covering sports.  The Rush broadcaster was there for the first ever AFL game and he will be back behind the microphone again this season.  He is also looking forward to the re-energized team.

Everything about this day made me excited and hopeful for a fun and successful season.  The Rush season opener is this Saturday, March 23 at the Allstate Arena.  Although I will not be there due to prior commitments, I will be there in spirit and I will be at many games this season.

There are 18 games in the season.  Nine games are home games, including two which will be played in Rockford.  The season runs through July or longer if the playoffs goal is achieved!  This reporter is optimistic we will see Rush football in August!