HARRISON, NJ (May 10, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls and Cardenas Marketing Network announced today that Red Bull Arena will play host to Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team in an open practice Thursday, June 7 at 7:00 PM ET.
Messi, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year winner, travels stateside with his national team for a highly anticipated friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champion Brazil June 9 at MetLife Stadium. The match, which sold out in just over three weeks, is the fastest-selling soccer match in U.S. history.
Tickets for the Argentina open practice go on sale Friday, May 11 at 10:00 AM ET and can be purchased by calling 877.RB.SOCCER or by visiting tickets.newyorkredbulls.com.
New York Red Bulls Stampede Members will receive a free ticket to the Argentina National Team training session at Red Bull Arena as part of their Season Ticket welcome gift.
Red, Yellow and Blue members will have until 11:00 AM ET on Friday, June 1 to RSVP and redeem their free admission to this unique event. A separate email with information and instructions will be sent directly to all of the team's season ticket holders.
“We thought an open practice session with Argentina at a state-of-the-art facility like Red Bull Arena would serve as the next best thing for fans who could not secure a ticket to the match,” said CMN Sports Chief Executive Officer Henry Cardenas. “When Argentina and Brazil face off, the soccer world watches, and die-hard fans will enjoy watching some of the world’s best players up close. It’s going to be a great week for soccer fans in New York.”
"We are thrilled to be hosting Argentina - widely known as one of the top teams in international soccer," said New York Red Bulls President, Business Operations Chris Heck. "At Red Bull Arena, we provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for our fans and supporters and we expect that this event will be a great opportunity for Red Bulls Season Ticket Holders, soccer lovers and sports enthusiasts across the New York area to see some of the best players in the world."
Both Brazil and Argentina played the U.S. National Team at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2010 and March 26, 2011, respectively. The return trip is undoubtedly a must-see event for soccer fans living in the New York area.
Argentina, home to one of the sport’s most iconic figures, Diego Maradona, is one of only five nations to hoist multiple World Cups and is a 14-time continental champion. Brazil is largely considered the most successful federation in international soccer, home to many of the sport’s icons, including Pele, Ronaldo, and current Real Madrid superstar Kaka. Brazil is the only nation to win five World Cups and is an eight-time continental champion.
