The Ohio State University’s iconic Ohio Stadium is gearing up for a thrilling showcase of elite international club soccer. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 3, 2024, when Premier League giants Chelsea FC and Manchester City will clash in a friendly match that’s anything but friendly in spirit.
The face-off is part of the 2024 FC Series, which brings together top global soccer clubs in a series of friendly matches. However, when it comes to Chelsea and Manchester City, “friendly” is a relative term given their intense rivalry and history.
Tickets Alert: Mark Your Calendars!
For fans eager to witness this clash of titans, mark Wednesday, March 27, on your calendars. Tickets will be up for grabs from 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. And if you’re itching to secure your spot even sooner, sign up for an exclusive 24-hour presale at www.FCSeries.com.
Molly Pendleton, Senior Vice President at Unified Events, captures the anticipation perfectly: “Ohio Stadium is a special location for creating a unique event for these world-class teams. Playing in Columbus with teams like Chelsea FC and Manchester City will showcase the passion of Ohio and American soccer fans.”
A Match of Titans: The History and the Hype
Chelsea and Manchester City aren’t just any teams; they’re the only clubs to have won multiple Premier League titles in the last decade. Their meeting in Columbus marks the 178th all-time between the two English clubs, with Chelsea leading the series 71-64-42. The teams last faced off in a 1-1 draw on February 17 at Etihad Stadium, adding to the anticipation of their next encounter.
Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, is looking to make a splash in the preseason of their second year. The club’s history is studded with two Champions League titles and six English Premier League championships, making them the first club to win all four major UEFA club competitions twice.
This match is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of soccer’s growing footprint in the United States. Now in its third year, the FC Series has been showcasing international soccer clubs across the country. This summer, besides Columbus, matches will light up stadiums in Chapel Hill, N.C., New York City, and Orlando, Fla.
The Horseshoe is no stranger to hosting international soccer matches, having welcomed Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid CF in July 2016. But the Chelsea vs. Manchester City match promises to be an even bigger draw, putting Columbus on the international stage.
A Summer of Soccer in Columbus
The event is a testament to Columbus’s growing reputation as a soccer city, thanks in part to the efforts of the Columbus Crew, their dedicated fans, and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Tim Bezbatchenko, Crew President and General Manager, emphasizes the match’s role in inspiring a love for the global game and showcasing Columbus to the world through soccer.
As the summer of soccer in Columbus takes shape, the city is buzzing with anticipation. Between the Chelsea-Manchester City match, the MLS All-Star Game, and Crew games, Columbus is set to showcase its vibrant city and passionate soccer community to fans from across the globe.
Linda Shetina Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, sums it up: “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.”
So, whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just love witnessing top-tier sports events, this match is a can’t-miss summer highlight.
