and the third in succession -- that a foreign club will take on the All-Stars in the league's summer showcase. The game will be televised live on ESPN2 as part of the network's 'MLS Primetime Thursday.' In the previous three All-Star Games against international opponents, MLS has a perfect 3-0 record, having defeated England's Chelsea FC 1-0 last year, England's Fulham FC 4-1 in 2005 and Mexico's CD Guadalajara 3-1 in 2003.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park is the fifth soccer-specific stadium to be used to house an MLS team and it will be among the world's finest venues. With an 18,000-seat stadium as the focal point, the complex also includes 24 other fully-lighted fields to be used year-round. The stadium site is part of a public-private partnership between Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which owns the Colorado Rapids, and Commerce City. Also setting up shop in the new development are the new Commerce City municipal hall and a variety of retail developments.
"We are thrilled to play host to both Celtic Football Club and the best players from Major League Soccer in the league's marquee midseason event," said Rapids managing director Jeff Plush. "This is just and example of some of the world-class events that the diverse soccer fan base in Colorado can expect here at our new home of Dick's Sporting Goods Park."
Colorado Rapids full season ticket holders will have the MLS All-Star Game included in their 2007 packages at no extra cost. Partial season plan holders will have an opportunity to buy discounted tickets before they go on sale to the general public on a date that will be announced in the near future.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
