Though soccer has yet to enjoy the widespread popularity in the United States that it does throughout the rest of the world, the sport has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years. Thanks to some dynamic players and an impressive performance in the 2010 World Cup, soccer is as big in the United States as it has ever been, and there are a number of 2012 International Soccer Matches in the U.S. slated for the coming months.
AS Roma vs. Zaglebie Lubin, July 22 at Wrigley Field
Not all high profile games in the United States feature American teams, and this is a perfect example. Soccer will be played at Wrigley Field for the first time since 1984, and organizers certainly picked two big-name teams for the occasion.
The game has been dubbed Friendly and the Confines, and welcomes two of the most popular teams in Europe. Italy's AS Roma has been playing soccer for more than 84 years, yet the club has never played Poland's Zaglebie Lubin, which has been around since 1945. Even the most casual soccer fan can appreciate the historic match-up between these two clubs.
Three days later, AS Roma will be back in action at Boston's Fenway Park when it takes on Liverpool before wrapping up its United States tour in New York.
U.S. Men's National Team vs. Jamaica, September 11 at Columbus Crew Stadium
While many international matches are friendly exhibitions, such is not the case with this crucial late summer match-up. Jamaica comes to Columbus, Ohio, for a semifinal round qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup, which is slated to be held in Brazil.
Aside from being the next step in qualifying for the World Cup, there is a great deal at stake during this match and it has enough compelling story lines to attract casual fans. Perhaps most significantly, the U.S Men's National team has never lost a match in Columbus, nor have they ever lost to Jamaica.
U.S. Women's National Team vs. Canada, June 30 at Rio Tinto Stadium
The men aren't the only team in action this summer. Just weeks before the Summer Olympics kicks off in London, the women's team will be hitting the pitch in Utah to play our neighbors to the north.
Although a friendly match, it should give U.S. fans a chance to get a feeling for the women's team's chances at taking home the gold from London.
Still looking for something to do this weekend? Here are the 5 Hottest events for the weekend on TicketsNow. Check 'em out, grab some tickets and get wild this weekend.
Weekend's Top Events
1.) Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw Tickets
2.) New York Yankees @ Washington Nationals Tickets
3.) Boston Red Sox @ Chicago Cubs Tickets
4.) Toronto FC @ Sporting KC Tickets
5.) Monster Jam Tickets
Give it a listen and tell us what you think in the comment section below.
And to get you excited to see them live watch a little David Byrne w/ The Talking Heads circa his heyday:
So Good.
I'll Have Another races this Saturday to become only the 11th horse in history to capture horse racing's Triple Crown. It's been over 3 decades since the last horse, Affirmed, took the elusive prize in 1978. The potential to witness history makes this year's Belmont Stakes tickets some of the hottest in all of sports.
Do you think 'I'll Have Another' is going to do it? Which horse are you taking?
Adele took home 12 awards at last night's Billboard Music awards, including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Pop Album.
LMFAO also had a big night taking home 6 awards including Top Duo/Group, beating out Lady Antebellum and Maroon 5.
Coldplay and LiL' Wayne had a solid night as well taking home 4 awards each.
Read the full recap and check out all the photos at Billboard.com
Some big concert news today as Jay-Z announced he'll be headlining and curating Budweiser's 'Made in America' music fest this September in Philly.
The Live Nation event is co-sponsored by Budweiser and United Way and will take place over Labor Day weekend (September 1st & 2nd).
The full line-up is set to be announced on May 21st with tickets going on-sale on May 23rd.
According to the Live Nation press release, "the concert will benefit United Ways in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Lancaster County, PA and New York City, enabling them to invest more dollars into their regions, strengthening local communities and improving lives."
More from the press release here:
“This Labor Day, we will not only make history but we’re benefiting a great organization. ‘Budweiser Made in America’ will encompass every genre of music, creating and showcasing the only genre that matters, ‘great music.’ Budweiser and Live Nation are going to produce an amazing two days of performances, and it’s great to partner with United Way again to support all of the positive work they do in the community,” said Shawn “JAY Z” Carter.
The festival in Philadelphia will culminate following a summer of music parties in cities all across America, when Budweiser will invite its Facebook fans to experience talented local bands and artists. Budweiser, brewed across America, has a decades-long history of celebrating great American music.
“This festival will offer music fans from across the U.S. and beyond the biggest names in hip-hop, rock, dance and other popular genres this Labor Day,” said Rob McCarthy, vice president of Budweiser for Anheuser-Busch."
Tell us who you'd like to see added to the line-up in the comment section below!
The full Lollapalooza 2012 lineup is finally out and we think it is pretty damn fantastic! Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Black Keys, Jack White and Black Sabbath are headlining the 3-Day music fest held in Chicago's Grant Park.
What band are you most excited to see?
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