Two Premier League giants, Chelsea and Manchester City, are heading to Ohio Stadium in Columbus for a highly anticipated preseason match. This face-off, scheduled for August 3rd, marks the 178th meeting between these storied English clubs, with Chelsea currently leading the all-time series 71-64-42. Following a recent 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium on February 17th, fans are eager to see these titans clash once again on US soil as part of the FC Series.
Chelsea, a powerhouse with two Champions League titles and six English Premier League crowns under their belt, will be entering their second preseason under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues also hold a unique distinction as the first club to have won all four major UEFA club competitions twice – a testament to their enduring legacy in European football, making them a true “club euro” contender.
Chris Jurasek, Chelsea Chief Executive Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming fixture: “We are delighted to announce this fixture as part of our schedule and face a fellow Premier League side in Manchester City. Ohio Stadium is renowned for its history, and we know it is going to be an incredible occasion in front of our devoted US fanbase this summer.” The choice of Ohio Stadium, a venue steeped in history, promises to amplify the excitement for fans across the nation.
Manchester City, equally thrilled about their return to the United States, echoed this sentiment. Peter Laundy, Senior Vice President Partnerships at City Football Group, stated: “We are pleased to announce the details of our 2024/25 preseason tour today as we prepare to return to America with an exciting four-match series delivered in collaboration with FC Series this summer.” He further emphasized the growing popularity of club soccer in the US, referencing their successful 2022 pre-season visit, including a sold-out game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. This highlights the increasing appetite for top-tier “club euro” experiences in the American market.
The FC Series, now in its third year, continues to bring premier international soccer to the United States. Having previously hosted CR Flamengo’s preseason tour in Florida in January, this summer’s series will extend its reach to Chapel Hill, N.C., New York City, Orlando, Fla., and now Columbus. Steve Hogan, Florida Citrus Sports CEO, highlighted the significance of this match-up: “Our team is excited to pair two of the biggest clubs in the world at an iconic venue for American sports. This will be a must-see match on the summer soccer calendar, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Manchester City, Chelsea and Unified Events to bring it to the campus of The Ohio State University.”
Ohio Stadium’s history with international soccer will expand with this event. The stadium previously hosted a high-profile match in July 2016, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Real Madrid CF 3-1, drawing a crowd of 86,641 fans. Xen Riggs, Ohio State Department of Athletics Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, commented on the broader impact: “This match up truly puts Columbus on the international stage drawing fans from all over the United States and beyond… The Ohio State University and iconic Ohio Stadium are proud of the international destination we have become.”
Tim Bezbatchenko, Crew President and General Manager, also emphasized the local significance, stating, “The Crew are committed to inspiring a love of the global game and bringing Columbus to the world through soccer, and we have an incredible opportunity to accomplish those goals with the Manchester City-Chelsea match at Ohio Stadium…” He further underscored Columbus’s growing status as a “Soccer City,” pointing to events like their 2023 MLS Cup championship, the upcoming MLS All-Star Game in 2024, and other international soccer events hosted in the region.
Linda Shetina Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, concluded by highlighting the global appeal of this event: “There’s no doubt Manchester City and Chelsea are two of the biggest clubs in the world. To have them face each other in an iconic venue like Ohio Stadium will be a spectacle for fans both here and around the globe… It’s shaping up to be the summer of soccer in Columbus between this match, the MLS All-Star Game and the Crew. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of fans from all over, and hope to showcase our vibrant city.”
Fans eager to attend this “club euro” spectacle in Cleveland… Correction: Columbus, Ohio, can sign up at FCSeries.com for further information, including presale access. Broadcast details and media accreditation information will be released at a later date.
