Two of the top club soccer teams in the world could be scheduled to meet in the largest stadium in the United States. Manchester United and Real Madrid are scheduled for an August 2, 2014 match in Ann Arbor as part of the schedule for the International Champions Cup. It is expected the match would take place in Michigan Stadium, with a seating capacity over 100,000 fans. Where else in Ann Arbor would be suitable for such a draw?
According to World Soccer Talk, the Real Madrid-Manchester United match is one of 12 on the schedule and all matches will take place in the United States. Other host cities include New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Denver, Miami, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Hartford.
The match would figure to be a big draw for soccer fans. Manchester United is one of the most popular franchises in the world and generally plays t big crowds anywhere they go. Real Madrid is a significant draw as well. As noted by MLive.com, Michigan AD Dave Brandon is set on finding new ways to generate revenue out of Michigan Stadium in addition to the usual seven home games per year. Hosting events out of season is the best way to go with a college football season. Michigan Stadium hosted this season’s NHL Winter Classic, which generated $3 million for the university despite not setting a Guinness World Record for world’s largest outdoor hockey crowd.
World Soccer Report states an official announcement is expected to be released on Tuesday.