Red Bull Arena soft open set for March 13

Match will feature U18Red Bulls against U17 US MNT

SECAUCUS, NJ (Jan. 26, 2010) - Red Bull New York announced today that the Red Bulls' Under-18 Academy squad will face the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team on March 13 at 4:30 PM ET in the "soft opening" of Red Bull Arena.

 

"Hosting this event gives our fans a first opportunity to visit Red Bull Arena and it's a great dress rehearsal for our game day staff," said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. "We are excited to host the U.S. U-17s in the build-up to the Grand Opening of our new home."

 

Admittance to the soft opening is free, however, all fans must contact the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER to acquire tickets beginning on Monday, Feb. 15 at 10:00 AM. Red Bulls Full Season Plan Holders will automatically receive tickets for their same seats prior to the match.

 

In addition, the club will distribute collection buckets at the match to benefit Red Bulls midfielder Seth Stammler's nonprofit organization, Sporting Chance Foundation, dedicated to provide relief for the victims affected in the earthquake in Haiti two weeks ago. More information on SCF can be found on www.sportingchancefoundation.org.

 

Last season, the Red Bulls U-18s were led by forward Giorgi Chirgadze, who became the club's first Homegrown Academy player to join New York's First Team. The U-18s are a part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. They are one of four squads in the Red Bulls Academy, a cost-free program that aims to develop the best soccer talent in the tri-state area. For more information on the Red Bulls Academy, log onto www.redbullsacademy.com.

 

The U.S. U-17 Men's National Team will travel to Red Bull Arena from Bradenton, FL., where 40 players train daily as part of U.S. Soccer's full-time Residency Program. The current crop players, including Red Bulls Academy players Russell Canouse, Santiago Castano and Adam Najem, were all born in either 1994 or 1995. The U.S. team, led by head coach Wilmer Cabrera, is in the early stages of preparation for the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and the subsequent 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

 

After Red Bull Arena's Grand Opening against legendary Brazilian club, Santos, on March 20, the Red Bulls kick off their 2010 MLS Regular Season at Red Bull Arena on March 27, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes). Full Season Ticket Plans for the New York Red Bulls' first season at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ, are on sale now. Midfield seats in the 100-Level and sideline sections 107 and 112 are already sold out, but good seats are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.