COPA AMERICA CENTENARIO QUOTE SHEET
Civic officials and Sounders FC personnel react to today's news that saw Seattle named as one of 10 U.S. metropolitan areas that will host Copa America Centenario; Featuring six CONCACAF teams and all 10 international sides from CONMEBOL, tournament is the first Copa America to be played outside of South America
For Immediate Release: November 19, 2015
Contact: Alex Caulfield, 206-512-1225 or Matt Winter, 206-512-1215
SEATTLE, WASH.
- 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) announced today the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas that have been selected to host matches during the historic Copa America Centenario to be played from June 3-26, 2016, in the United States. Seattle's CenturyLink Field, the home of Sounders FC and the Seattle Seahawks, is one of the venues set to host the first Copa America tournament.
Below are reactionary quotes from civic officials and Sounders FC personnel on today's landmark news. The 2016 Copa America Centenario is the historic centennial edition of Copa America - the South American championship - and is being staged outside of South America for the first time. The tournament features six teams from CONCACAF and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL.
SOUNDERS FC OWNER ADRIAN HANAUER
"On behalf of Seattle Sounders FC, we are honored to welcome Copa America Centenario to Seattle next summer. This is a prestigious tournament that is truly global in scale, and we're thrilled for fans in the Pacific Northwest that will be able to take part at CenturyLink Field in 2016. Seattle has a proud history of hosting high-profile soccer events - both domestic and international - and we're excited to continue that tradition next year with Copa America."
SOUNDERS FC CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BART WILEY
"With Seattle serving as a host city, CenturyLink Field as host venue, and Sounders fans loud and proud in the building, Copa America stands to be a huge success next year. We're honored to help bring such a global event to our wonderful city. Lots of work went into bringing this event to Seattle and CenturyLink Field, and we couldn't be more proud to serve as a host venue. This event will give soccer fans in the city an amazing opportunity to take part in a global experience."
HONORABLE CONGRESSMAN JIM MCDERMOTT, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
"I am pleased that Seattle has been selected as one of ten host sites for next summer's 2016 Copa America Centenario. 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. "
HONORABLE CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
"The Seattle area has a longstanding tradition of soccer ingrained into its culture. The diverse communities that live in our region represent a wide array of soccer loving countries from around the world. As a member of the official Seattle Copa American 2016 Host Bid Committee and an avid soccer fan, I am excited that Seattle will serve as a host city for the Copa America Centenario, the oldest national team tournament in existence. This historic event taking place in June 2016 will feature some of the most elite players and best teams in the world. 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!"
WASHINGTON STATE GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE
“I join millions of Washingtonians in excitement upon hearing Seattle was selected as a host city for the Copa America Centenario tournament. The people of Washington State have shown an intense passion for the sport of soccer through their embrace of the Seattle Sounders FC, and are eager to host this historic tournament in Seattle,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “The greater Seattle area is extremely well-prepared to accommodate the thousands of attending fans and will benefit greatly from the increased tourism that will come into the city from this prestigious event.”
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE DOW CONSTANTINE
"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. 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."
CITY OF SEATTLE MAYOR ED MURRAY
"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. 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."
SEATTLE SPORTS COMMISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RALPH MORTON
"Soccer is an important part of our culture in Seattle, where our passion for the sport is authentic and runs deep. 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."
