Barcelona have just announced that they will face Manchester United, Chivas De Guadalajara and Club America on their North American tour, which takes place from 30th July to 6th August.
After their pre-season tour across the United States served as an introduction into the historic treble in season 2009/2010, Barcelona chiefs have decided to repeat the scenario with the Catalans set to take on some world-class sides during their eight-day tour.
It is interesting that the opening fixture will be the re-run of the Champions League final, with Manchester United vs FC Barcelona game set to be played at Fedex Field, Maryland. Manchester United vs FC Barcelona Tickets are still available for sale.
FC Barcelona vs Chivas De Guadalajara match is scheduled for 3rd August and takes place at Sun Life Stadium, Florida. FC Barcelona vs. Chivas De Guadalajara Tickets can be purchased here.
In the final game of the tour, on 6th August, the Catalans will face Club America at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
This tour will serve as a great opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s team to test their skills against three very good sides, but there is no doubt that the clash with Manchester United will take the centre stage, especially as the game will take place just two months after the two sides will have battled for the Champions League trophy at Wembley.
The Spanish giants are expected to net around $8 million from the tour as well as raise the club’s profile in North America, but the club president Sandro Rosell says it’s not all about money.
“The tour is very important for Barca. It is not just about generating income, but also getting personally closer to the fans and making our name bigger, both by playing and supporting charities,” Rosell told reporters.
“The tour will present an ideal opportunity to meet football promoters with whom we can reach agreements to set up schools and academies.”
The game against Chivas will be club’s first ever in Miami, but Rosell also spoke of his love for the other Mexican side the Catalans will face in the United States.
“I have been fond of América since 2003, when I was vice president and we played a friendly at the Azteca. I’m looking forward to seeing my friends from América”.
With the 2011 Gold Cup taking place at thirteen football stadiums across the United States in June, the North American football fans will be in for an exciting summer of football, and there is no doubt they will relish the opportunity of watching some of the best sides in the world in action.
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