COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Many iconic games have been played at Williams-Brice Stadium. Another historic moment will take place on August 3rd as two of the world’s most iconic soccer teams will go head-to-head.
Liverpool FC and Manchester United will play the final match of the Rivals in Red Tour in what will be the biggest international soccer game in the history of South Carolina. It’s a feat that Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said is an honor.
“We’ve been saying for a long time, Columbia is a great destination place for these types of events, even concerts and others. But, that people here are willing to support it, you can see that by the quick sales that happened with this, we sold out in a very short amount of time,” Mayor Rickenmann said.
Beyond the entertainment of the match, Mayor Rickenmann said the entire community will benefit from hosting a game of this magnitude.
“It really does bring a great trickle-down effect to the community, because restaurants get filled, hotels get filled, retailers get sales, convenience stores, you name it. Everybody benefits from it, so hopefully this is just the beginning,” Mayor Rickenmann said.
The excitement is building leading up to kickoff, especially for local soccer player Samuel Echavarria, who said he was not going to miss out on the chance to see these two teams face off in Columbia.
“I told my mom to get tickets right away because it’s an experience we don’t usually get,” Echavarria said.
“It’s one thing to see them on TV once a week, but getting to go and sit 10 rows up and see them in person, that’s incredible, that’s huge,” said David Enzastiga, a staff coach and chief financial officer for the Lexington Soccer Academy.
Enzastiga said soccer is growing in the Midlands and hosting this game will only help bring more attention to the sport.
“Soccer in the Midlands has definitely taken off and soccer in South Carolina. South Carolina is definitely a more respected state in terms of soccer development than it was 10 years ago,” Enzastiga said.
Echavarria said it’s not often that he attends professional soccer games and he’s excited to see the greats take the pitch.
“They’re all top-level players from Europe, I’m looking forward to looking at them play,” Echavarria said.
“Getting to see Marcus Rashford, getting to see Mohamed Salah, that’s crazy, that’s awesome,” Enzastiga added.
Mayor Rickenmann said he is excited for the game and hopes more will follow in the future.
“We really look forward to hosting fans and hopefully this is the first of many events for Columbia,” Mayor Rickenmann said.
Fans attending the game can find more information about parking and shuttle services here.
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