COLUMBUS, OH (March 19, 2024) – The Ohio State University will welcome elite international club soccer competition at Ohio Stadium when England’s Chelsea FC and Manchester City will face off on Saturday, August 3, 2024. The match between the Premier League rivals is part of the 2024 FC Series, a collection of friendly matches featuring top global soccer clubs.
Tickets for the match will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Fans can sign up for an exclusive 24-hour presale at www.FCSeries.com.
"Ohio Stadium is a special location for creating a unique event for these world class teams,” said Molly Pendleton, Senior Vice President, Unified Events. “Playing in Columbus with teams like Chelsea FC and Manchester City will showcase the passion of Ohio and American soccer fans.”
Chelsea and Manchester City are the only clubs to win multiple Premier League titles in the last decade. The meeting in Columbus will be the 178th all-time between the two English clubs. Chelsea leads the series 71-64-42. The teams most recently played to a 1-1 draw on February 17 at Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea, the two-time Champions League and six-time English Premier League champions, will enter the preseason in their second year under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues are the first club to win all four major UEFA club competitions twice (Champions League, Super Cup, Europa League and Cup Winners’ Cup).
“We are delighted to announce this fixture as part of our schedule and face a fellow Premier League side in Manchester City. Ohio Stadium is renowned for its history, and we know it is going to be an incredible occasion in front of our devoted US fanbase this summer,” commented Chelsea Chief Executive Officer, Chris Jurasek.
Peter Laundy, Senior Vice President Partnerships at City Football Group, said: “We are pleased to announce the details of our 2024/25 preseason tour today as we prepare to return to America with an exciting four-match series delivered in collaboration with FC Series this summer.
“Our 2022 pre-season visit to the United States was hugely successful, including our sell-out fixture at Lambeau Field, Green Bay and the Club’s presence, fan base and status continues to grow significantly within the region.
“We can’t wait to play more matches, deliver more unique experiences and opportunities for our fans across the country to enjoy with Manchester City when we return later this year.”
Now in its third year hosting matches across the United States, the FC Series is a showcase for international soccer clubs. In January, the FC Series hosted CR Flamengo’s preseason tour in Florida. This summer, FC Series matches will take place in Chapel Hill, N.C., New York City, Orlando, Fla. and Columbus.
“Our team is excited to pair two of the biggest clubs in the world at an iconic venue for American sports,” said Steve Hogan, Florida Citrus Sports CEO. “This will be a must-see match on the summer soccer calendar, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Manchester City, Chelsea and Unified Events to bring it to the campus of The Ohio State University."
August 3 will be the second international soccer match at Ohio Stadium. In July 2016, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Madrid CF 3-1 in front of 86,641 fans.
“This match up truly puts Columbus on the international stage drawing fans from all over the United States and beyond,” said Xen Riggs, Ohio State Department of Athletics Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. “Our collaborations and partnerships across Columbus and the investments that have been made continue to pay back strong dividends. Thanks to all of our community partners for this amazing effort. The Ohio State University and iconic Ohio Stadium are proud of the international destination we have become.”
“The Crew are committed to inspiring a love of the global game and bringing Columbus to the world through soccer, and we have an incredible opportunity to accomplish those goals with the Manchester City-Chelsea match at Ohio Stadium, thanks to the support of The Ohio State University, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Unified Events,” said Crew President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “As Major League Soccer’s first Club, we have consistently experienced the tremendous passion for and growth of our sport in Columbus during Crew matches, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team games and competitions at all levels of play, including amateur soccer at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. By hosting two world-class English Premier League clubs, we are continuing to showcase that Columbus is a Soccer City while supporting the economic development of our region through major international events like this match, our 2023 MLS Cup championship and Aston Villa game in July, the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, SheBelieves Cup and more.”
“There’s no doubt Manchester City and Chelsea are two of the biggest clubs in the world. To have them face each other in an iconic venue like Ohio Stadium will be a spectacle for fans both here and around the globe. We’re thankful to the teams, Ohio State and our community partners for helping make it possible. It’s shaping up to be the summer of soccer in Columbus between this match, the MLS All-Star Game and the Crew. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of fans from all over, and hope to showcase our vibrant city,” Linda Shetina Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
More information on the August 3 match, including broadcast information and media accreditation, will be announced later. Fans can sign up for further information, including presale access, at FCSeries.com.
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