The Chicago Fire Soccer Club, in conjunction with MLS and CAA Sports, announced today that the Chicago Fire will take on Manchester United at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT as part of the World Football Challenge. Complete details regarding the World Football Challenge including all participating teams, schedule, format and event sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Chicago Fire v. Manchester United match is included in the Fire’s Full Season Ticket Holder plan as Bonus Game Two. Supporters can immediately purchase a ticket for the Chicago Fire-Manchester United match by purchasing full Chicago Fire Season Tickets by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE (657-3473) or by heading to the club’s official website at Chicago-Fire.com. Fire Season Ticket Holders will receive an in-kind number of seats at Soldier Field and be given the opportunity to upgrade and/or purchase additional tickets. Details regarding group tickets, single game tickets and public on-sale will be announced at a later date.
“We are excited to host Manchester United, one of the world’s finest clubs, at home in Chicago, in front of our supporters,” said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Bringing United to Chicago helps the Fire continue to expand our reach in one of North America’s premier soccer markets. Our participation in the World Football Challenge gives our players an opportunity to take on one of the most talented clubs on the planet, while galvanizing Chicago’s vast soccer community.”
Led by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United is one of the most recognized clubs in the world, lifting a total of 18 English Premier League titles, four Carling cups, three European Cups and a record 11 FA Cups. In 1999, United were the first team to win the Treble (English Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League) in one season. Founded in 1878, the Red Devils have competed in the top division of English soccer since 1938, with the exception of the 1974-1975 season. United currently sit atop the Barclay’s English Premier League table with 63 points through 30 games.
Manchester United returns to Chicago for a second consecutive year. The storied English side utilized Chicago and TOYOTA PARK as a base, training at the Fire’s soccer-specific home before embarking on its four-stop North American tour in 2010.
Manchester United and the New England Revolution will kick-off the World Football Challenge on Wednesday, July 13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The Fire will then host the Red Devils on Saturday, July 23 at Soldier Field. United concludes their participation in the World Football Challenge on Saturday, July 30 against FC Barcelona at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. These matches mark the Revolution and Fire’s only matches in the World Football Challenge. Manchester United will also return as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game opponent at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Wednesday, July 27 (ESPN2, Galavision and TSN) starting at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Ticket information for the World Football Challenge is now available by visiting www.WorldFootballChallenge.com.
