The U.S. men's national soccer team is in town, and the hype surrounding their match Friday against Mexico at TQL Stadium is building – locally and nationally.
The USMNT will cap a week of practice at FC Cincinnati's Mercy Health Training Center in Milford with Friday's nationally-televised match, which is a qualifying game for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico is currently in first place in the qualifying process while the Americans are in second. Both are in a solid position to qualify as the top three teams out of eight will advance to Qatar, but regional bragging rights will also be on the line at TQL Stadium.
USMNT's Brenden Aaronson:FC Cincinnati in good hands with Chris Albright
The home match hosted by the USMNT against Mexico is considered the biggest soccer match that takes place in North America, and it only happens once every four years.
Of course, an event of this magnitude brings with it plenty of events, street closures and other things for ticket-holders and locals should be aware of.
City and county officials, and FC Cincinnati representatives, staged a news conference Wednesday morning at The Banks to discuss some of the pertinent information. Here are the key takeaways:
- Southbound Central Parkway in front of TQL Stadium will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Friday. It's the same closure that happens for FC Cincinnati home matches but is beginning more than 14 hours prior to kickoff.
- Ticketed fans are encouraged to park in and around TQL Stadium, with parking lots and garages nearby opening at 5 p.m.
- Ticketed fans coming from Downtown are encouraged to walk to the stadium or use the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar, which is free, adding service and will run until 1 a.m. Saturday for post-game activities.
- Clear bag policy will be in effect at TQL Stadium. Those can be purchased at the club's shop at TQL Stadium but will be required to enter Fan HQ (more on the Fan HQ below).
- Multiple city and county departments, Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the local FBI field office, Ohio State Highway Patrol are providing logistical and other support for the event.
The game - U.S. men's national team vs. Mexico
Kickoff: 9:10 p.m.
TV: ESPN2
Tickets
U.S. Soccer does a weighted, random draw to ensure the highest likelihood of a pro-U.S. crowd for the Mexico game, and they seldom have trouble selling tickets. The game's been sold out for weeks, and U.S. Soccer officials said fans from all 50 states will be in attendance. If you're desperate to get inside TQL Stadium to see the action in person, there's always the secondary market – but it won't be cheap. Check out SeatGeek, where ticket prices start around $400.
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter:His word on World Cup qualifier vs. Mexico, TQL Stadium
Wednesday events
• From 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m., the TQL Stadium exterior fin-lighting system along Central Parkway will feature a light show.
Things to do near TQL Stadium:10 places to eat and drink
Thursday events
• Starting at 4 p.m. – U.S. Soccer merchandise is available at the Fan Studio located in The Pitch Cincy (1430 Central Parkway), a popular soccer-centric bar for FC Cincinnati supporters.
• Starting at 6 pm – U.S. Soccer kickoff party along with the American Outlaws supporters’ group at The Pitch Cincy.
MLS 2022 schedule:Short offseason ahead, Nashville SC switching to Western Conference
Friday events
• 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. – U.S. Soccer activities on Central Parkway.
• 7 p.m. – To accommodate fans that couldn't get tickets or don't want to over-spend on tickets, FC Cincinnati is hosting a watch party at The Banks. Fans can enjoy food and drinks at 18 Banks establishments, walk throughout the DORA and watch the match on a big screen hanging from the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame building.
• The top-10 ranked University of Cincinnati Bearcats football game against South Florida (6 p.m.) will also be shown on the big screen.
FC Cincinnati outdoor watch party:What you need to know
• Rhinehaus, a soccer bar in Over-the-Rhine, 119 E. 12th St., is hosting a block party. A portion of Clay Street will be closed and the festivities are scheduled to begin at noon. A large projection screen will be used for outdoor viewing of the game.
• Officials are asking ticket-holding fans to be in their seats for the match by 8:30 p.m. for a light and pyrotechnic show pre-match.
Season in review:The good, the bad and the uncertainties ahead for FC Cincinnati
Source link
