BALTIMORE (May 9, 2024) – International event agency Elite Promotions Group today announced that English Premier League teams Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (more widely known as just Wolves) and West Ham United F.C. will compete in Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium on Saturday, July 27 at 7 p.m. The match is part of The Stateside Cup, a three-city tournament to be played over one week, July 27 through August 3. The Stateside Cup will also feature Crystal Palace F.C. in matches that will take place in Annapolis, Maryland (July 31) and Tampa, Florida (August 3). The inaugural Stateside Cup trophy will be awarded to the top performing team.
"We are proud to bring these three historic Premier League teams to the U.S. for The Stateside Cup," Elite Promotions Cofounder Raymond Farrelly said. "This will be a true tournament, with a winner crowned following the three-game series so competition will be fierce. We know that Jacksonville, Annapolis and Tampa are strong markets for soccer and we're looking forward to showcasing some of the world's best talent in these three games."
Pre-sale of tickets starts Friday, May 10 for team supporter groups, and tickets will be available to the general public on Monday, May 13, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern U.S. Time. Each team will have designated fan areas in addition to general seating. Wolves supporters will have Sections 122, 123, 124, and West Ham United supporters will have Sections 147, 148, 149. Limited tickets are available for as low as $35.00, and limited premium seating is available. Previous years have sold out quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Tickets can be purchased through StatesideCup.com.
Wolves have competed in the U.S. on several occasions. However, their most impactful trip to The States was in the summer of 1967 as part of the first major U.S. soccer league, helping to launch the U.S. soccer boom. In the form of a slightly altered roster known as the Los Angeles Wolves, they won the United Soccer Association's championship over 11 other global teams.
"Here at Wolves, we have a proud and long-standing connection with the States, having played such a significant role in the first professional league back in 1967 as the LA Wolves," Wolves General Manager for Marketing and Commercial Growth Russell Jones said. "We have a large following in America and in recent years we've connected with fans at MLS NEXT Pro in Salt Lake City in 2022, the TST tournament in North Carolina last summer and the various Premier League Mornings Live events, which most recently took place in Nashville. Bringing the first-team to the U.S. is a major next step and we are looking forward to working with our U.S.-based supporter clubs to put on a series of events for existing and new fans travelling to the games. Aside from the opportunity to grow the club's fans base, the tour will also provide a number of exciting exposure opportunities for club partners looking to grow their brands in the U.S."
Three-time winners of the FA Cup and last season's UEFA Europa Conference League champions, West Ham United last traveled to the United States as a full squad for summer friendlies in 2016. One of the fastest growing brands in world football, West Ham are the most followed and fastest growing team outside the Top 6 in the Premier League.
"We're really excited to be heading Stateside this summer for our preseason tour," West Ham United Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Thompson said. "The U.S. market is key for West Ham United, and the club's presence, fan base and status continues to grow significantly in the States. We can't wait to play the matches and deliver unique experiences and opportunities for our fans in America."
"Jacksonville prides itself on consistently bringing large, popular sports tourism events to our city," said Visit Jacksonville President and CEO Michael Corrigan. "Having some of the world's best soccer players competing at the home of the Jaguars, EverBank Stadium, is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful city to sports fans from around the southeast and beyond."
Inquiries for sponsorship and advertising to be directed to Mike Lehr: MTLehr44@gmail.com or 508-509-5499.
The credential application process for media interested in attending and covering will open Thursday, May 9 and close on Wednesday, July 17. Interested media are required to fill out and submit the application form at the link **HERE**. Selected media will be informed on their allocated credential on a rolling basis.
For complete details, visit: StatesideCup.com
About Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) Football Club
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, commonly referred to as Wolves, is a professional football club based in Wolverhampton, England, which competes in the Premier League. Established in 1877 as St. Luke's F.C. and becoming Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1879, Wolves were founding members of the Football League along with eleven other clubs. Now known as the English Football League (EFL), it was the world's first domestic football league. The club has won 17 major trophies in their history, including 11 league titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups. In 2016, Wolves were acquired by Chinese consumer technology company Fosun International, and a return to the Premier League followed in 2018, followed by a final-eight finish in the Europa League and back-to-back seventh placed finishes at the top of English football. Wolves have played at Molineux Stadium since 1889 and the club's traditional kit consists of old gold shirts and socks with black shorts. For more information, visit: wolves.co.uk
About West Ham United Football Club
West Ham United is a Premier League Football Club based in London, England. The Club was originally founded as Thames Ironworks FC in 1895, then reformed as West Ham United FC in 1900. The Club was elected to the Football League in 1919, won the FA Cup in 1964, 1975 and 1980, the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965 and the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, and has also reached three other major finals. Nicknamed the Hammers and the Irons in recognition of the Club's heritage, West Ham United is based at the 62,500-capacity London Stadium, where they play in front of sell-out crowds in the English Premier League and UEFA competitions. Also known as The Academy of Football, the Club provided three members of England's 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning team and has won the FA Youth Cup on four occasions. For more information, visit: whufc.com
About Elite Promotions
Elite Promotions is an agency dedicated to facilitating best in class events with major venues and elite sports brands. With offices in Maryland, USA and London, England, the agency provides a host of services including exhibition games, training camps and club tours around the world. For more information, visit: elitepromotionsgroup.com
Media Contacts:
Eric Hammond | Maroon PR | Eric@MaroonPR.com | 443-614-9456
Matt Williams | Maroon PR | Matt@MaroonPR.com | 202-280-9412
