Ten cities across the United States will play host to the one-off Copa America Centenario next summer as the U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF, soccer's regional governing body, announced on Thursday the final venue for the 100-Year Anniversary Edition of the South American Championship.
Copa América Centenario wrote on its official Facebook page after the announcement. Copa América writes, "10 US Cities to Host Soccer Tournament Matches in 2016. The tournament, which features 16 teams, is scheduled to take place from June 3 to June 26. Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando and Philadelphia are among the cities hosting matches."
U.S. Soccer said in an official press statement that the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have determined the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas that have been selected to host matches during the historic Copa America Centenario.
The host metropolitan areas and respective stadiums are: 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). Similar to the FIFA World Cup, each venue will host matches on multiple days through the tournament. Most venues will host at least three games.
"The 10 host cities of Copa America Centenario 2016 will provide the perfect stage to unite the American continents in a unique celebration of the football history and talent in the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL regions," said Alfredo Hawit, President of CONCACAF. "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."
"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."
"Football is the most marvelous sport in the world. For us, it's truly a source of pride to be able to bring to the United States this unparalleled event - the Copa America Centenario, the oldest national team tournament in the world," said CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout. "This long-time, carefully planned dream would not have been possible without the fantastic efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. It's the first time in the history of the event, since 1916, that the mythical Copa America will be played outside South America, with 16 teams from throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. Without a doubt, this event will provide the luxury of stars on display whose talents shine in the most competitive leagues in the world. The party in the United States is a certainty."
Immediately, chosen host cities have posted their excitement over the news on social media.
MetLife Stadium said on Facebook, "JUST ANNOUNCED! The historic Copa America Centenario soccer tournament will be played in the US for the first time and MetLife Stadium will be one of the hosts! Fans can visit www.CA2016.com or subscribe to our Behind the Lines newsletter http://bit.ly/1HZyOdN for more info to come! Stay tuned... http://bit.ly/1Yiv6QG"
"We are honored to be hosting Copa America Centenario this summer! More info to come... #CA2016," said CenturyLink Field. While, Gillette Stadium proclaimed, "Another exciting announcement! We are happy to be hosting the 2016 Copa America here next summer!"
