NWSL’s Sky Blue FC is shifting its August 18 home match against Reign FC to Red Bull Arena, a move to accommodate high demand for a game that will feature several World Cup stars.
Sky Blue FC and Reign FC are slated to square off August 18 in a matchup that will feature several standouts from this summer’s World Cup, including Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Sky Blue FC’s primary home, Rutgers’ Yurcak Field, but a high demand for tickets has prompted a move to the larger Red Bull Arena–the home of MLS’s New York Red Bulls.
Sky Blue FC Captain and U.S. Women’s National Team Co-Captain Carli Lloyd, Canadian Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, and Cameroon Defender Estelle Johnson will face off against Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe, who won the 2019 World Cup Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, Midfielder Allie Long, and seven other World Cup players.
“This is a big moment for our club, our players and fans,” said Sky Blue Interim General Manager Alyse LaHue. “We asked our fans if they would support this idea and they very definitively said yes. We’re always listening to and looking for ideas that enhance the fan experience as we push this club forward.”
“We’re beyond excited that we have to move the game to Red Bull Arena because fan interest is so high,” said Carli Lloyd. “This will be a great experience for my teammates and another opportunity for Sky Blue to continue building toward a successful and sustainable future.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Sky Blue to Red Bull Arena, and to have this match come together after months of planning,” said Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre. “Our organization strives to support and grow the game locally, and hosting an NWSL match at Red Bull Arena is a great opportunity to support Sky Blue and celebrate the local soccer community.”
Image courtesy Sky Blue FC.
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