Groups plan farewell party for Smith.

The two largest and oldest Rapids supporters groups, Class VI and the Pid Army, are hosting a farewell and thank-you party tonight for recently fired coach Gary Smith.

The party will be at the Celtic Tavern during the telecast of the MLS Cup Final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. The telecast starts at 7 p.m.

Smith sent The Denver Post a statement with a message for Rapids fans. In part, it said:

“My thanks to all the fans for their support during some difficult moments, especially this season when we suffered so much with injuries to crucial players. In addition, your reaction to this decision, particularly via online social websites, has been very welcome, and most people seemed to have grasped exactly what has gone on here. What nobody can ever take away is the championship that we won last season. That will forever stay in my memory. That it’s all ended just one year later is inexplicable to describe.”

Smith also thanked his former players and staff.

“For all my friends at the club, I hope the players can somehow take the next leap forward,” Smith wrote. “Because of these happy memories, I would never say never to returning one day if circumstances permitted.”