Local politicians and civic leaders celebrated the announcement Thursday that CenturyLink Field has been selected as one of the 10 host venues for the Copa America Centenario next summer, bringing one of the world’s biggest soccer tournaments to Seattle.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC) made the announcement, adding that each of the 10 venues selected will host matches on multiple days through the tournament, June 3-26.
Most venues will host at least three games.
"Seattle is honored to be one of the ten cities selected to host the Copa America, the first time the tournament will be played outside of South America,” said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. “Seattle is a world-class city and home to the most enthusiastic soccer fans in the United States. We are excited to show fans from all over the globe what our beautiful city has to offer as they watch one of the most prestigious international tournaments."
The 2016 Copa America Centenario is the historic centennial edition of Copa America – the South American championship – and will be staged outside of South America for the first time. The tournament will feature six teams from CONCACAF and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL.
The host metropolitan areas and respective stadiums are: Boston (Gillette Stadium), Chicago (Soldier Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Los Angeles (Rose Bowl), New York (MetLife Stadium), Orlando (Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium), San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium) and Seattle (CenturyLink Field).
"I am pleased that Seattle has been selected as one of ten host sites for next summer's 2016 Copa America Centenario,” said Rep. Jim McDermott. “This is a chance for the world to see what I have known for years: that Seattle is a world class soccer city. Copa America Centenario is sure to be one of the premier soccer tournaments in the world and Seattle is looking forward to the opportunity to host some of the great soccer teams, players and fans in the world. "
Rep. Adam Smith was a member of the official Seattle Copa American 2016 Host Bid Committee and said the decision on Thursday the tournament will add to the longstanding tradition of soccer already ingrained into Seattle’s culture.
“This historic event taking place in June 2016 will feature some of the most elite players and best teams in the world,” Smith said. “Seattle looks forward to participating in the thrilling event with our passion for soccer and we hope to see our national team build on its success in the last World Cup!"
Chosen from among 24 candidates that originally submitted bids earlier this year, the stadiums passed rigorous standards – including minimum seating capacity of 60,000 and other world-class infrastructure requirements – in order to host matches of this high-profile tournament which is sure to draw multitudes of fans to venues across the country.
"I was proud to be an early bid supporter, and I am delighted Seattle and King County will join others to host this historic event, marking the first time in its 100-year history this landmark tournament has been played outside South America,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The success of our Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign, and the passionate enthusiasm of fans at CenturyLink Field, has lifted us into the top tier of U.S. soccer regions."
2016 Sounders FC Season Ticket Members are eligible to purchase tickets for Copa America Centenario during an exclusive private sale. More information on the ticket allocation process will be communicated in the coming weeks. Non-Season Ticket Members can access tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event by visiting www.CA2016.com. Due to the expected high demand for this premium soccer tournament, fans are urged to register early to guarantee access to information as it becomes available. More ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks.
"Soccer is an important part of our culture in Seattle, where our passion for the sport is authentic and runs deep,” said Seatlte Sports Commission Director Ralph Morton. “Hosting the 2016 Copa America is an incredible opportunity for our region to watch some of the world's best players in one of our nation's finest venues. There's no better place to celebrate Copa America's 100th anniversary than in Seattle."
