NEW JERSEY (SMI-WIRE,06.09.16)MetLife Stadium and its partners from the NY/NJ Host Committee are welcoming soccer fans and visitors from around the world to the region for the historic Copa America Centenario.

The Copa America Centenario is shaping up to be the biggest soccer tournament in the United States since the 1994 FIFA World Cup, as over one million tickets have been sold to date, including over 60,000 for the Final.  Passionate fans from over 50 countries and all 50 states will be attending the tournament.

“We welcome CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, the federations of the 16 teams represented in the Copa America Centenario tournament, and dignitaries from around the world, many of whom we have had the privilege to host in past years,” said Ron VanDeVeen, President and CEO of MetLife Stadium. “Some of the biggest stars in the world have played at MetLife Stadium and we are honored to have been selected by the Local Organizing Committee to host three matches, including the much anticipated Final.  The Copa America Centenario is certainly a historic tournament and we are enthusiastic and eager to bring this level of sportsmanship and play to fans from around the world.”ew is a throwback font with a vintage feel. It’s great for storytelling, narratives and news reporting.

The first of three Copa America Centenario matches at MetLife Stadium kicks off this Sunday, June 12 with the decisive Group B match-up between Ecuador and Haiti.  On Friday, June 17, the winner of Group B will face the second-place team in Group A in a quarterfinal match.  The tournament concludes with the much-anticipated Final on Sunday, June 26.  For a full tournament schedule, please visit www.ca2016.com.

The NY/NJ Host Committee is comprised of MetLife Stadium, Meadowlands Liberty Convention and Visitors Bureau, NYC & Company., the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, Major League Soccer teams New York City FC and New York Red Bulls, the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos, and the Meadowlands Racetrack.  The Host Committee has a wealth of experience hosting the world’s largest events as well as providing transportation, hospitality and tourism support for major international events - most recently WrestleMania 29 and Super Bowl XLVIII.  The Host Committee is an integral part of the gameday experience and will provide guests from around the world with a preeminent tournament experience.

“We are both thrilled and ready to welcome the thousands of international visitors that will be attending the COPA America soccer matches at MetLife Stadium throughout the month,” said Jim Kirkos, President and CEO of the Meadowlands Liberty Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “As with our experience hosting Super Bowl XLVIII and WrestleMania 29, the NY/NJ region will show visitors from around the world a great time with unmatched restaurant, entertainment and hospitality choices.  We look forward to seeing everyone this month and hope our guests continue to come back and enjoy our hospitality year after year.”

“We are excited to welcome soccer fans from around the world to the New York City metro region for the historic Copa America Centenario matches at MetLife Stadium,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “We have a rich history of hosting world-class sporting events and Copa America is no exception. We know that visitors and New Yorkers alike will enjoy this month-long soccer celebration in addition to New York City’s unparalleled shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment options throughout the five boroughs.”

Starting with the Ecuador vs. Haiti match on Sunday, June 12, ticketholders can enjoy Fan Plaza - a fun-filled pregame experience at the Stadium.  Located in parking lot J, Fan Plaza is free to enter and open on match days from 4.5 hours before kickoff until 30 minutes before the match. The event will feature interactive activities, giveaways, food, beverage and merchandise for purchase.

On Saturday, June 25, the Copa America Centenario FanHQ, the official fan destination for the tournament, will offer a celebratory and free-of-charge experience for all soccer fans in town for the once-in-a-lifetime tournament. Fan HQ will take place from 7pm – 11pm at Terminal 5 in New York City.  With an atmosphere of live music, merchandise, food and beverage, tournament décor and other entertainment, FanHQ provides a fun place to hang out and extends the fan's interaction ahead of the match.  Fans can register for this free event on a first come, first served basis by visiting http://www.ca2016.com/fan-events/metlife-stadium.

Pre-paid stadium parking permits are not required for the three matches. Public transportation via NJ TRANSIT will be available to MetLife Stadium for all three matches; however, fans are encouraged to car pool or utilize public transportation for the Final on June 26.  Please visit www.metlifestadium.com for detailed public transportation schedules for each match.

The state-of-the-art stadium is no stranger to the likes of major international soccer events.  Since opening its doors in April 2010, MetLife Stadium has hosted 14 international soccer matches including two CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals and a Brazil-Argentina friendly in 2012, which was the largest attended soccer match in New Jersey history. Some of the world’s best players have graced the stadium’s pitch, including Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Antonio and Enner Valencia. 

​Fans who will be visiting the region for the matches at MetLife Stadium, can visit the official Copa America Centenario NY/NJ Visitor Information Page to help plan their trip and find out everything there is to see and do while they are in town for the tournament.

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