For one reason of another, the United States has been lukewarm, at best, toward the sport of soccer. But the world’s most popular sport is gaining steam in the U.S. of A, and European automakers seem to have the best association with the sport, especially Audi. Coincidentally, the Four Ringed-brand will bring world-class soccer to the U.S. this summer as part of the Audi Football Summit — an Audi-sponsored soccer tournament.
The summit will take place this July, culminating with an international game between FC Bayern Munich and Club Deportivo Guadalajara. The game will take place on July 31st at 20:00 EST (8:00 PM) at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, home of the Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls club. The match marks the first time Audi has brought the international excitement of soccer stateside.
“As the U.S. appetite for international soccer grows, we are proud to play host to one of the most historic and acclaimed soccer teams in the world,” said President Scott Keogh, Audi of America. “Audi is honored to work with a world-class football club like FC Bayern and is looking forward to an exciting match!”
To note, FC Bayern Munich has won five titles in 2013, including the UEFA Champions League, and is the current FIFA Club World Champion. Audi AG is a partner and partial owner of the club in the 11th season, with all players driving Audi cars from across the range. Earlier this year, the club opened its first overseas office in New York, and players and members of the board will stay in the city for four days during the Summit.
“This tour with Audi, our long-term partner, is a fantastic opportunity for Bayern Munich,” said Jörg Wacker, Member of the Board of FC Bayern Munich. “We have more than 15 million followers in the United States and this tour is a perfect opportunity for our fans to see their favorite team in person. At the same time, the American metropolis is where our first foreign office is located.”
Commonly known as Chivas, Club Deportivo Guadalajara is one of the most historic and popular clubs in Mexico. The club has captured 11 first division titles and has raised two Copa México trophies.
“We are pleased to participate in an event of this magnitude where the most popular team in Mexico takes on European champions FC Bayern Munich,” Chivas Guadalajara Sporting Director Juan Francisco Palencia said. “We are also excited to return to the New York-area and play in front of our fan base there.”
Tickets for the Summit can be purchased via tickets.newyorkredbulls.com or by calling 1-877-RB-SOCCER. It will also be broadcast via television stations nationwide and websites globally.
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