Kickers to face Crystal Palace

The game will be on Monday, July 28th.

May 19, 2014; 1:09 PM • by Richard Hayes

Big news out of City Stadium this morning as they announce Crystal Palace of England’s Barclay’s Premier League will be playing the Kickers in a friendly later this summer. This is a tremendous coup for the Kickers organization and will attract fans from all along the east coast.

From the Press Release.

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host Crystal Palace of the world famous Barclay’s Premier League in an international exhibition at City Stadium on Monday, July 28 at 7:00 p.m.. The historic match marks the first-time ever a team from England’s top flight will appear in Virginia. Following a seven-day private pre-sale, general admission tickets for $30 will go on sale on Monday, May 26 at RichmondKickers.com.

“The English Premier League is widely considered the World’s greatest sports league and when you add this summer’s World Cup, our rapidly increasing fan support, and the desire to develop a soccer specific stadium, we knew this was the time to showcase the Premier League in Virginia,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.

“We are delighted to host Crystal Palace who recently completed a memorable Premier League campaign with victories over Chelsea and Everton and a dramatic 3-3 draw with Liverpool,” added Cowlishaw. “We anticipate a sell-out night on July 28 and we invite the Richmondcommunity to join us in celebrating the beautiful game with their hometown team.”

The prestigious match in Richmond is a part of Crystal Palace’s nine-day, three-game U.S. preseason tour which also includes friendlies against the Columbus Crew on July 23 and Philadelphia Union on July 25.

Established in 1905, the London-based club climbed to an 11^th place finish with a 13-19-6 record and 45 points in the Premier League standings this season, under the guidance of Premier League Manager of the Year, Tony Pulis. Highlights from the momentous season include handing Chelsea a 1-0 defeat and a remarkable come-from-behind 3-3 draw against Liverpool in front of sell-out crowds at SelhurstPark.

Crystal Palace are proving their American popularity following their first season back in the Premier League after their home game against Sunderland in August drew one of NBC Sports’ highest viewing figures of the 2013-14 campaign, with almost 900,000 Americans tuning in to watch the 3-1 win. With unprecedented popularity and media coverage, Richmond, VA ranks sixth in the Top 10 U.S. Premier League viewership markets.

Tickets

Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Holders, sponsors and youth club members are eligible for the seven-day, private pre-sale. Additionally, fans who purchase tickets in advance at RichmondKickers.com for the Kickers versus Charlotte Eagles match on Saturday, May 24 or the U.S. Open Cup Third Round match versus the New York Greek American Atlas on Wednesday, May 28 will also qualify to participate in the pre-sale. With the exception of the Richmond Kickers 2014 All-Access Pass, season passes will not be accepted at this match. General Admission tickets for $30 will go on sale on Monday, May 26 at RichmondKickers.com.