City of Atlanta Announce July International Soccer Match

May 14,2010

On Wednesday, Mayor Kasim Reed announced that the Atlanta International Soccer Challenge will be held July 28, 2010 at the Georgia Dome featuring Mexico’s Club de Fútbol América (Club América) versus the Barclays English Premier League’s Manchester City. Mayor Kasim Reed made the announcement at the Georgia Dome with event organizers International Events Groups Operations (IEGO), Executive Director of Georgia State Soccer Association Rick Skirvin, and representatives from each club.

Tickets for the match are available through Ticketmaster with a limited number of $25 tickets available through June 6, 2010. Groups of 10 or more can also purchase tickets at group rates through Georgia State Soccer Association at www.gasoccer.org.

The inaugural Atlanta International Soccer Challenge celebrates the second year of top international professional soccer in Atlanta. Club América defeated AC Milan 2-1 last summer at the Georgia Dome. Club América will serve as the home team versus Manchester City.

The match is a significant effort for Atlanta to show the world it can host international soccer. As a contender to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup, the city is in the middle of a campaign to show the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) it can support soccer on the world stage. The match will be held two weeks after the finals of the World Cup in South Africa. Several Club America and Manchester City players are expected to represent their home countries in the World Cup.