Local

Charlotte to host Liverpool, AC Milan at BofA Stadium

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was announced Thursday that European giants Liverpool FC and AC Milan will face off at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 2 as part of the Guinness International Champions Cup. Kickoff for the Group B contest, which will be broadcast internationally on Fox Sports 2, is set for 6:30 p.m.

According to a release, the match-up is the result of a partnership by the City of Charlotte, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Relevent Sports to bring a premier international soccer game to the city. The collaboration provides Charlotte with a highly sought after event that will create significant economic impact from overnight visitors and generate valuable tax revenue for the city.

"Hosting a match of this caliber, that will be televised internationally, is yet another way to showcase Charlotte to the world," said Mayor Patrick Cannon. "Sports tourism is a proven economic driver and an ongoing priority for the Queen City. With a region full of soccer fans, this is a game people will travel for and we look forward to hosting them."

The game will utilize one of the five annual free dates granted to the CRVA for the next six years following funding negotiations that helped make Bank of America Stadium's $112.5 million renovations possible. The dates are to be used for major events that can generate sizable economic impact for the community.

"It is rare that two top teams meet so early in the season and we couldn't be more pleased to bring these top squads to the youth soccer hotbed of Charlotte," said Relevent Sports Chief Executive Officer Charlie Stillitano. "Liverpool and AC Milan are two of the most accomplished teams in the world and a must-see for fans in the Queen City."

Exclusive presale tickets for the contest will be available beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. while general public will have access to tickets beginning Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster and in person starting Monday at the Bank of America Stadium Box Office. The stadium box office is not open on Saturday.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase an Ultimate Fan Pack which includes one supporters section ticket, team gear and priority access to select team training.

The Guinness International Champions Cup is a tournament featuring eight of the world's 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 across North America with matches in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Dallas and one additional city from July 24-Aug. 2.  The tournament will crown an overall champion Monday, Aug. 4 at Miami's Sun Life Stadium.

"We're incredibly proud and excited to host AC Milan and Liverpool in Charlotte," said CRVA CEO Tom Murray. "It's an event that not only energizes the city's thriving soccer community, but it also becomes a considerable draw that will bring visitors to our city who will dine in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and experience the vibrancy that Charlotte has to offer."

"We are pleased to announce Charlotte as one of the destinations for our 2014 preseason tour. Charlotte is a wonderful city, similar to Liverpool in many ways; historically famous for being a distribution hub servicing the country. We are delighted that the Mayor's office, Relevent and the Carolina Panthers have come together to give football a platform in this state" said Billy Hogan, Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC.