Miami FC and FIU reach Agreement to Play at FIU's New Stadium this Season

Published on April 9, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami, FL - Miami FC continues to show its commitment to all of South Florida's soccer fans by confirming its second home game and Dade County home opener versus the Montreal Impact at FIU Stadium on Friday, April 24th at 8PM. The game will be featured as the USL Game of the Week on Fox Soccer Channel. This announcement comes after the Blues unveiled their plans to play their first game ever at Lockhart Stadium when they open their 2009 season against the Cleveland City Stars on Saturday, April 18 at 8PM.

Speaking on behalf of Miami FC, team president Aaron Davidson proclaimed "We couldn't be happier to play in the two most appropriate, most fan-friendly soccer facilities for Miami FC in South Florida. Lockhart Stadium has a lot of tradition, but FIU will definitely create a tradition of its own. And I am sure that Miami FC and our ownership group, Traffic Sports, will play a big role in doing so. This year Miami FC will truly become South Florida's pro soccer team playing in Dade and Broward Counties. From a practical stand-point, we know this isn't going to be easy, but from a fan stand-point, we are excited that we will be able to take Miami FC to everyone in South Florida this season."

Miami FC's match on April 24 will be the first official soccer match ever played at FIU's new stadium. However, FIU Stadium has already made strides towards positioning itself as a fixture in the soccer community with two additional soccer events confirmed. On Friday, April 19th, FIU will host a "Legends Game" featuring some of the biggest names in soccer, which will include the likes of Fernando Clavijo (Traffic/Miami FC Director of Soccer and member of US Soccer Hall of Fame), Hristo Stoichkov, Ivan Zamorano, Marcelo Balboa, and ex-Fusion player Carlos Valderamma. Then on July 10th, FIU Stadium will host a double header for the CONCACAF Gold Cup which will showcase Costa Rica, Canada, Jamaica, and El Salvador.

"It's quality professional soccer. With some games being nationally televised, it gives the school a lot of exposure. In these difficult economic times, it'll give us another stream of revenue" Proclaimed FIU athletic director Pete Garcia.

Miami FC will inaugurate FIU Stadium as an official soccer match venue and one of their 2009 home stadiums facing the Montreal Impact, one of the traditional powerhouses in North American soccer and USL. The Impact are coming off of an impressive showing in the CONCACAF Champions League where they advanced to the quarterfinals and were eliminated on a last minute goal by Santos from Mexico. Over 56,000 people attended the home match in Montreal versus Santos. The CONCACAF Champions league features the top teams from the MLS, USL, Mexican League and other leagues in Central America and the Caribbean

Miami FC has also already confirmed that they will play their third regular season home match at Lockhart Stadium versus the Rochester Rhinos on Sunday, April 26th at 6PM. Decisions regarding venues for future matches will be determined in due course based on venue availability and fan and community response.

Ticket prices for the 2009 season are $7 for children/students, $12 for adults and $20 for reserved seats. For more information, visit www.miamifc.com or call 305-728-2606.

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USL First Division Stories from April 9, 2009


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