Soccer fans worried about withdrawal symptoms after the conclusion of the Euro Championship need not worry the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game is just a few weeks away.
Toronto FC and BMO Field host this year's mid-season matchup between the MLS All-Stars and West Ham United of the English Premier League Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. ET. The celebration of the beautiful game in Toronto kicks off with the Pepsi MLS Soccer Jam, a three-day soccer extravaganza. Taking place on the CNE Grounds between BMO Field and the Direct Energy Centre, Pepsi MLS Soccer Jam runs from Tuesday, July 22 to Thursday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission is free.
"Soccer Jam will be the biggest celebration of the beautiful game that Toronto has ever seen," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We've organized plenty of fun, interactive soccer and music and activities that will appeal to soccer fans of all ages."
Soccer enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive early and participate in the Family Fun Zone and Skills, Drills and Thrills. The Family Fun Zone features 15 interactive soccer activities for families including Penalty Kick Soccer to Human Foosball. There will also be appearances by Nickelodeon characters.
Skills, Drills and Thrills gives participants a chance to work on their game with soccer clinics and tips from Toronto FC Academy coaches. There will also be opportunities to meet and get autographs from Toronto FC and other MLS players at various signing sessions.
An all-Canadian soccer match rounds out the first night of Soccer Jam with Toronto FC hosting the Montréal Impact at BMO Field in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship tournament. The Canadian Club Qualifier will determine Canada's representative at the CONCACAF Champions League. A limited number of tickets are still available for this all-Canadian match and can be purchased at www.torontofc.ca.
The Budweiser Beer Garden, located outside of BMO Field, will serve as the official gathering place for fans and will host musical acts throughout Soccer Jam. On Wednesday evening, music fans can enjoy a free concert by Sloan with special guest Grady.
Late Wednesday, the hottest event of the summer, the Official MLS All-Star Players' Party takes place at Muzik. This star-studded event features international cuisine, music and a silent auction that benefits Right To Play and KidSport Ontario. Attendees can join MLS All-Stars players and coaches to celebrate All-Star Week. Guests must be 19 years or older to attend.
Tickets for the Official MLS All-Star Players' Party can be purchased through Ticketmaster beginning Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. ET by telephone at 416- 870-8000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
Fans without tickets for the MLS All-Star Game still have an opportunity to be part of the exciting atmosphere. The Budweiser Beer Garden will host its own MLS All-Star Party on Thursday, July 24 starting at 4:30 p.m. Large screen televisions will broadcast the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game. Admission to the Beer Garden on Thursday is $10; tickets go on sale on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. by telephone at 416 870-8000 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
Prior to the game, DJ Agile will entertain the patrons with his brand of hip hop music. Warner Music recording artist Estelle will perform during the MLS All-Star Game half-time show in the Budweiser Beer Garden and will hold a 30-minute postgame show.
The All-Star First XI for the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game will be announced in Toronto on Thursday, July 10. For more information visit www.torontofc.ca or www.mlsnet.com.
The 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game will feature the best in Major League Soccer versus West Ham United of the English Premier League. The game will be played on Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. ET at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and will be broadcast in Canada on CBC, and in the United States on ESPN and Telefutura. This will be the fifth time that the Pepsi MLS All-Star game has followed this format, adopted to ensure the most exhilarating All-Star spectacle in North American professional sports.
