SECAUCUS, NJ - The MetroStars announced Thursday that they will host a world-class doubleheader at Giants Stadium on June 30. The night will kick off with the MetroStars hosting the Colorado Rapids at 7 p.m. ET, and then the Fiesta Cup, which will pit the Argentine National Team against the Peruvian National Team, will immediately follow the conclusion of the first match.
"The MetroStars are very excited to be partnering with Soccer United Marketing in bringing this world class night of Soccer to the tri-state area," said MetroStars President and General Manager Nick Sakiewicz. "This doubleheader will give soccer fans a great opportunity to come out and support the MetroStars, as well as see two world class teams play in the Fiesta Cup."
Tickets for the Giants Stadium doubleheader range from $30 to $65 and for the first time fans will be offered the option of purchasing seats in areas of the stadium specific to their allegiance. Argentina supporters who choose to sit in the Argentina section will enjoy designated seating along the north and east sides, while fans of Peru will be organized on the south and west sides. Tickets will go on sale at noon on Friday, May 28, via Ticketmaster by phone, Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com as well as by calling 1-888-4METROTIX.
"We are pleased to partner in the organization and promotion of a soccer match of this caliber between two renowned teams which are sure to attract thousands of fans," said Soccer United Marketing President Ivan Gazidis. "SUM is in a unique position to take advantage of regularly scheduled MLS matches and continue to identify opportunities to continue to showcase world class soccer in the United States."
The June 30 Fiesta Cup match will also serve both teams as preparation for the prestigious Copa America, the championship for South American national teams, which Peru will host from July 6-25. Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia join Peru in Group A, while Argentina faces Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay in Group B.
The national teams of Peru (ranked 81st in the current FIFA World Rankings) and Argentina (ranked 5th in the current FIFA World Rankings), are currently involved in South American World Cup Qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, with each team playing two rounds of qualifying in June (June 1-2 and June 6). Argentina leads the current South American Qualifying standings with 11 points from five matches while Peru stands in seventh place with five points.
Two-time World Cup champion Argentina will be making its first-ever trip for a full international match in the Tri-State area when it faces its South American rivals in the first edition of the Fiesta Cup, which was originally unveiled in a Monday press conference by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission. The winner of the 2004 edition of the Fiesta Cup will return next year to defend its title.
