July 14, 2009
2009 Taste of Chicago Photo Gallery
CHICAGO- Through working with the Mayor's Office of Special Events, the Flames' athletic department was able to take over the Taste of Chicago Sports Pavilion June 29, 2009.
Administrators, athletes, coaches represented the Flames at the annual event, interacting with the fans and handing out Flames promotional items.
"We had a great time at the Taste of Chicago," Shawn Sullivan, Assistant Athletic Director for Campus Marketing and Game Operations, said. "We were extremely fortunate to participate in one of Chicago's beloved summer traditions and visit with so many UIC fans, while educating other Taste visitors on the many successes of our programs."
Head volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley and her players kicked off the day's festivities, playing with fans on the Taste's court. The next hour featured assistant men's soccer coach Minos Vlamakis and some of his players, followed by associate athletic director Eric Phillips, Sullivan and special assistant to athletics Denny Wills shooting some hoops with Taste-goers. Head women's basketball coach Lisa Ryckbosch, along with her staff and players, kept the basketball games going, wrapping up the Flames' time on the court.
In addition to the individual sports being represented, members of the Dancing Flames and the cheerleading squads played bean bags with Taste-goers, and fans were able to enter a sweepstakes for UIC tickets.
"Thanks to the coaches, student-athletes, spirit group members and staff who participated in Grant Park," Sullivan said. "They did a tremendous job encouraging fans to `Wear the Letters.' On behalf of the Flames, I'd like to thank Jennifer Kramer and the Mayor's Office of Special Events staff for the opportunity."
The Taste of Chicago Sports Pavilion gives Chicago's professional and collegiate sports teams a chance to interact with fans each year at the Taste. Participants in 2009, in addidtion to UIC, included DePaul, the Blackhawks, Bulls, White Sox and Bears, among others.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
