Having moved to Chicago into the heart of Wrigleyville I am just now coming to understand the passions of a true Cubs fan. Come rain or shine, there is always a gathering outside Wrigley prior to a game. The noises of the ballpark have become synonymous with my summer in Chicago. One of the best parts of my summer thus far has been the opportunity to provide a CUBS experience for one of our frequent fliers…the once in a lifetime opportunity to throw out the first pitch from the mound of Wrigley Field.

As a proud sponsor of the Chicago Cubs, our Chicago Marketing Team had the distinct pleasure of hosting many of our Rapid Reward Members for a hospitality evening within the “Friendly Confines” of Wrigley Field. We invited 100 of our Chicago area Rapid Reward Members to a Cubs v. Braves game last week for the Cubs 70’s Theme Night. It was a great opportunity to have FUN with our frequent fliers and treat them to an evening of Baseball… SWA style.

The event started two hours prior to the ballgame, and we ate hotdogs and chips at the Sheffield Grill inside Wrigley Field. Our RR Members had the chance to get a baseball card made with their photo and RR stats on the back. They also got to register to win the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. This is a once in a lifetime event for any Cubs Fan!

Sharon Ryczek was the lucky winner of the opportunity to throw out the first pitch… actually she was kind enough to allow her husband Larry have the privilege. Larry is a lifelong native and Chicago Cubs fan. He said that he had been practicing with his dog for weeks prior to the game just in case he won. Lucky for him he did!  The practice paid off and his pitch was a straight shot to catcher Jake Fox. Not only did he get to throw out the first pitch but he also received complimentary A-List status for his wife who travels with Southwest Airlines for company business. She is a huge Southwest Airlines Fan!

So thank you to everyone who came out for the ballgame and congratulations Larry and Sharon. We hope to see you on your next Southwest Airlines flight.