Earlier this week, it was announced that English Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City will play a friendly match in St. Louis, USA.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for the club to be able to return to America so quickly after our successful tour there last July,” Chelsea’s Chief Executive, Ron Gourlay, said. “The club and the players have enjoyed regularly travelling to the US and also helping to create long-term growth and sustainability of soccer in the country through our super club network.”
“The summer visit to St Louis is tremendously exciting for us,” Manchester City’s Chief Executive Officer, Ferran Soriano, said.
The match will take place May 23 in St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and is expected to sell out. Tickets start at $30 and go on sale on Tuesday, April 2.
“For two days in May our baseball heaven will be transformed into an international soccer haven,” commented Bill DeWitt III, President of the St Louis Cardinals.
And with St. Louis having a solid soccer heritage, including the 1950 World Cup winning USA team, it is a fitting venue to host some of the top soccer in the world.
“Passion and excitement for soccer in the United States continues to grow exponentially and we’re proud to bring two of the most recognised teams in Europe to such an iconic venue in Busch Stadium,” Charlie Stillitano, CEO of Relevent Sports, the PR Company promoting the trip, said.
And while it is a friendly match, these two teams are strong rivals and will be playing to win.
‘We will face the strongest opposition in Manchester City and I am sure we will provide a competitive and entertaining match in St Louis,” Gourlay said.
For more information, and for tickets, visit www.cardinals.com/soccer.