November 19, 2015
Soccer fans can look forward to 2016 with excitement after Philadelphia was selected among 10 U.S. cities to host the Copa America Centenario next June, marking the first time the South American championship will be staged outside of its home continent.
The decision to play the tournament in the United States was reached by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC). For the 100th anniversary of the soccer classic, organizers sought out large NFL stadiums instead of MLS venues with a goal to boost the popularity of soccer in the United States.
“We are certain that the host country and the U.S. Soccer Federation, in their roles, will not only display the growing passion for the sport, but also contribute to expanding the legacy and magnitude of this tournament by providing a memorable experience for the whole footballing community," said Alfredo Hawit, president of CONCACAF, in a news release.
From June 3-26, Lincoln Financial Field will host a minimum of three matches among teams that span North, Central and South America – including the United States, which is an automatic CONACAF qualifier along with Mexico.
Other U.S. metropolitan areas chosen to host Copa America Centenario are as follows: Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium), Chicago (Soldier Field), Foxborough (Gillette Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Orlando (Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium), Pasadena (Rose Bowl), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium) and Seattle (CenturyLink Field).
“These 10 cities and venues will provide a fantastic setting for fans across the world to attend Copa America Centenario and allow them to see the amazing passion for soccer in the United States,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “The participating teams and fans will be treated to a first-class environment in each city and stadium, adding to the world-class talent that will be competing on the field. We are looking forward to working closely with all of the cities and venues in hosting this prestigious event and creating an extraordinary experience for fans.”
For information on tickets, fans can visit www.CA2016.com.
