David Gassman, who was the owner of the now-closed Spin Nightclub in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, has been a sponsor of the Chicago Force women's tackle football team since the team's inception in 2002—and he is a regular at all Force home games, watching and walking up and down the sidelines.
Gassman is the only sponsor the Force has had for the duration of its 12-year existence.
"His sponsorship is across the board, [including] game day, website, golf outing, banquet, all printed materials, and everything else you can imagine," said Force owner Linda Bache. "He attends almost all our home games and he sometimes travels with the team to away games. Dave is the primary reason that the Force has survived through some difficult economic circumstances. But his support extends far beyond the financial as he has been a mentor, business adviser, sounding board and trusted friend of mine for many years now."
Bache said Gassman "continues to be our No. 1 supporter [and] I don't see that changing regardless of his myriad business interests. "
After every home game, the Force announce an offensive and defensive Game Day MVP Award, sponsored by Spin, with Spin's name in the official honor and appearing on the awards presented to the honorees—a longstanding team tradition. Bache said she and Gassman have not yet discussed whether or not to change the name of the awards, currently called the Spin Game Day MVP. "I suppose that we may change it to better represent his current businesses," she said.
"Over the years, the Force has had numerous events at SPIN Nightclub and we have many fond memories of the venue. All of this was a result of Dave's generosity and overall support of the community. I see that he is sponsoring CMSA teams under DLG Management, so I would anticipate that he will continue to function within the community and champion causes as he always has."
