The lights go out. The crowd roars. The arena is lit merely by the lasers and graphics playing on the scoreboard hung above midfield. Fan Appreciation Night is underway at Allstate Arena as the Chicago Rush host the Dallas Vigilantes. Judging by the applause during pre-game introductions, the crowd deserves a night of their own

The "Let's Go Rush" chants started as Hohensee's squad took the field before kickoff and did not slow up until the game was officially over despite the outcome. The team showed their love to the fans by taking every moment they could to interact with them during every break. From races on the field to Grabowski, the team's mascot, high fiving the fans to even playing catch with some lucky fans, the appreciation was genuine. This family-friendly event was a hit with all ages. Whether you're five or sixty-five, the Rush and its personnel made sure to accommodate everyone.

Perhaps the most important thing to be learned here is parents can show their kids that sports can be fun and appreciated even if you aren't playing on the largest of levels or making hundreds of millions of dollars.

Kids may be too young to grasp the concept or difference between the AFL and NFL, but what they could connect to on some level, judging by the looks on their faces, was the Rush players were larger than life to them. They don't need hour-long nationally televised prime-time press conferences, summits or contract restructuring to get these youngsters’ attention or appreciation. All they needed to do was slap on their uniform and play the game they love no matter what level it is. What more can you do but appreciate that.

As I wandered the stadium, the blue and silver jerseys seemed to be the attire of the night as well as the almost too common silver and blue face paint. While the AFL took a year off, the fan’s hunger still hadn’t left as the team was gearing up for another drive to the AFL playoffs, their ninth appearance in as many years.

Coach Hohensee’s squad took the field ready to fight. Unfortunately, Dallas would strike first on the second play of the game. The Rush would then fumble on the first play of their first possession. That might take the wind out of some fan’s sails on Fan Appreciation Night, but the groans were gone come the second quarter as the Rush would storm back after trailing by two touchdowns to cut the Dallas lead to 28-23. Momentum was in the Rush’s favor going into the locker room and coming out the Rush wanted to give their fans more to cheer about and that they did. On their first possession and after losing quarterback Russ Michna to a broken rib and lineman Shawn McMackin, the Rush would strike first to take the lead in the second half. The defense seemed motivated, the fans seemed motivated, and most importantly, Dallas felt dejected.

The fourth quarter would see more back and forth play and Dallas kicker Mark Lewis would hit a 27 yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime. Chicago elected to kick to start and Dallas would get on the board on their opening possession with a four yard strike from Drafts to Brackins. Needing a touchdown to keep the game going, the Rush quickly marched down the field as well, but a tipped pass at the Dallas four yard line would cost them the game. Dallas defensive back Delenall Reid would get his hands on the ball and take it back fifty yards the other way for a touchdown, thus ending the game and giving Dallas their second win of the season. Not an ideal night for the fans or the Rush, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Rush will go to Spokane for the final game of the season and then prepare themselves for a return to the top of the Arena Football League.