DENVER --Football will be back at Sports Authority Field at Mile High sooner than expected.
Just not American football.
International soccer clubs Manchester United and AS Roma will square off at the Broncos' home stadium on Saturday, July 26 as part of the Guinness International Champions Cup.
The game will air on FOX and kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST.
"We are thrilled to host Manchester United and AS Roma—two of the world's top soccer clubs—as part of the Guinness International Champions Cup at Sports Authority Field at Mile High this summer," said Stadium Management Company General Manager Andy Gorchov. "It will be the first visit to Colorado for both storied clubs and we are excited and honored to welcome both the teams and their great fans to Denver."
Additional matches are scheduled to take place across North America, including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Chicago, with the finals in Miami on Monday, Aug. 4.
Exclusive presale tickets for the Manchester United vs. AS Roma match are now available, while the general public will have access to tickets beginning Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. MST.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and in person at the Sports Authority Field at Mile High box office.
Additionally, this year fans will have the opportunity to purchase an Ultimate Fan Pack which includes one supporters section ticket, team gear and priority access to select team training. Also available are VIP Team Travel Packs that allow fans to experience the games alongside their favorite teams, providing VIP tickets, charter travel and world-class accommodations to all of their teams' Guinness International Champions Cup games. All tickets and packages are available at www.internationalchampionscup.com.
The second annual Guinness International Champions Cup is a unique tournament featuring eight of the world's best and most recognizable soccer clubs: Real Madrid CF, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool FC, AS Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Olympiacos.
Twelve round-robin contests will be hosted from July 24-August 2. The tournament will crown an overall champion at Miami's Sun Life Stadium.
"The Guinness International Champions Cup features the best soccer in the world and we couldn't be more pleased to bring the tournament to Sports Authority Field at Mile High in year two," said Relevent Sports Chief Executive Officer Charlie Stillitano. "Manchester United and AS Roma are two of the best clubs not only in their respective countries but in the world and will put on a great show for all of Colorado."
One of the most popular and storied sports franchises in the world, Manchester is the most successful English club having won a total of 20 league titles, 11 F.A. Cups and three UEFA Champions League trophies. The club is incredibly successful off the field having become the first sports franchise to be valued at over three billion dollars according to Forbes Magazine.
United is coached by new manager David Moyes, features star strikers Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney as well as Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea and club legend Ryan Giggs.
"This match against such strong opposition will provide David Moyes and his team with valuable preparation for the 2014/15 season," said Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold. "This will be the team's first visit to Denver and we are excited to meet our fans in this city for the first time. Manchester United has over eight million followers across the United States and Tour 2014, presented by Aon, will be a great opportunity to travel the country and bring the fans closer to the Club they love."
AS Roma, founded in 1927 has won Serie A three times, with the last coming in the 2000-01 season, as well as nine Coppa Italia titles and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. I Giallorossi have strong rivalries with Guinness International Champions Cup teams AC Milan and Inter as well as Lazio, with whom they share the 72,000-plus Stadio Olimpico with.
Roma features captain, all-time leading goalscorer and the most capped player in the club's long history. Francesco Totti. He is currently the top active Serie A goalscorer and second all-time in league history. The team also features Italian defender Daniele De Rossi as well as international stars Maicon (Brazil) and Kevin Strootman (Netherlands).
"We are extremely happy to go back to the United States. The Guinness International Champions Cup is a prestigious tournament that will give us the chance to confront ourselves with the best European teams. Great games await us, hopefully we will be once again accompanied by the enthusiasm of our American fans," said AS Roma Manager Rudi Garcia.
Further details about the Guinness International Champions Cup can be found at www.internationalchampionscup.com.
