For the third time in its 12-year history, Major League Soccer will hold its championship event in the Nation's Capital. MLS Cup 2007 will kick off at 12 p.m. ET (live on ABC) on Nov. 18, 2007 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The announcement was made today during a press conference featuring MLS Commissioner Don Garber, D.C. United President and CEO Kevin Payne, D.C. Sports and Entertainment CEO Allen Lew, and Greater Washington Sports Alliance President Robert Sweeney.
"We are delighted to bring Major League Soccer's championship game back to Washington D.C., one of America's great soccer cities," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "RFK Stadium has been the site of so many memorable soccer events, from World Cup games and MLS Cups to unforgettable D.C. United matches, and we are sure that MLS Cup 2007 will add to its storied history."
The two previous MLS Cup matches held in Washington, D.C. were resounding successes. In 1997, a sold-out crowd of 57,431 braved rainy weather to urge D.C. United to its second straight MLS Cup title in a 2-1 win against the Colorado Rapids. To date, United is the only team to win the MLS Cup in its home stadium. In 2000, the Kansas City Wizards lifted the trophy after stubbornly defending an early Miklos Molnar goal against the Chicago Fire in front of 39,159 fans.
RFK Stadium becomes the first venue to host the championship event three times. Foxboro, Mass. has hosted MLS Cup three times, with the 1996 and 1999 editions at Foxboro Stadium and the 2002 final at Gillette Stadium. RFK Stadium has served as the home of four-time MLS Cup champion D.C. United since its inaugural season in 1996. The stadium's acoustics, sections that bounce when fans jump, and nostalgic charm add to the authentic soccer atmosphere that fans bring to games. In addition to two MLS Cups, the stadium has hosted numerous memorable soccer matches, including World Cup games in 1994, Olympic men's soccer in 1996, the 2002 and 2004 MLS All-Star Games, and 18 U.S. Men's National Team matches.
"All of us at D.C. United are excited about the prospect of hosting another MLS Cup here at RFK. In 1997, more than 57,000 people packed into RFK -- the largest actual crowd in the history of the stadium -- and the atmosphere was electric as we won our second MLS Cup. And in 2000, over 39,000 were in attendance to see Kansas City top Chicago. Hosting the game will provide added incentive to our team to earn a place in the game, and try to reward the best fans in MLS and in Washington sports with another championship."
"It is an honor for the District of Columbia to have been selected to host the 2007 MLS Cup," said Washington, D.C. Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty. "The success of D.C. United and our city's rich soccer history combine to make Washington one of the top soccer venues in the nation. We look forward to working with all parties to ensure a successful event. Go United!"
Soccer fans across North America should not miss this opportunity to see a championship at this legendary facility. MLS Cup has become an annual pilgrimage - this year fans from 39 different states and five countries purchased tickets to MLS Cup 2006 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
"Tickets for MLS Cup 2007 will range in price from $30 to $100 with discounts available for groups and D.C. United season ticket holders. In addition, there will be special pricing for the youth soccer community and other US Soccer affiliated organiztions. There will also be a limited number of field level seats available for the League's premier soccer event. Individual and group tickets will be available for sale at a later date.
Initially, United season ticket holders will have an opportunity to purchase special D.C. United/MLS Cup strip packages, which will include tickets to two D.C. United playoff matches and MLS Cup. These three game packages will range in price from $65 to $145 for primary seating, with further discounts for youth available. Premier seating may also be purchased in strip form for club and field level and suites. To inquire about becoming a D.C. United plan holder please call the United offfices at 202-587-5000."
MLS CUP SITES
MLS Cup 2007 - RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.): Sunday November 18 (live on ABC at 12 p.m. ET)
MLS Cup 2006 - Pizza Hut Park (Frisco, Texas)
MLS Cup 2005 - Pizza Hut Park (Frisco, Texas)
MLS Cup 2004 - The Home Depot Center (Carson, Calif.)
MLS Cup 2003 - The Home Depot Center (Carson, Calif.)
MLS Cup 2002 - Gillette Stadium (Foxboro, Mass.)
MLS Cup 2001 - Columbus Crew Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
MLS Cup 2000 - RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.)
MLS Cup 1999 - Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Mass.)
MLS Cup 1998 - Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.)
MLS Cup 1997 - RFK Stadium (Washington, D.C.)
MLS Cup 1996 - Foxboro Stadium (Foxboro, Mass.)
