NEW YORK, N.Y. (Thursday, April 21, 2022) – Major League Soccer today announced that the 2022 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will feature the MLS All-Stars taking on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX.
Hosted at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United, on August 10, the game will be a rematch of the 2021 All-Star Game when the MLS All-Stars, knotted 1-1 at the end of regulation, defeated the LIGA MX All-Stars in penalty kicks courtesy of two jaw-dropping saves by New England goalkeeper Matt Turner and a game-winning penalty kick by FC Dallas academy product Ricardo Pepi.
The 2022 MLS All-Star Game is part of the groundbreaking partnership between MLS and LIGA MX that also consist of major events on the soccer calendar, including Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup, and is committed to providing continued competitive opportunities to strengthen both leagues.
“Last year’s match between the MLS All-Stars and the LIGA MX All-Stars was the most competitive MLS All-Star Game ever, and we’re pleased to renew the rivalry between the two leagues this summer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Our partnership with LIGA MX has brought out the best in both leagues on and off the field, and I have no doubt the intensity will be even higher for the rematch in Minnesota. Beyond the game, All-Star Week will celebrate our sport with a series of cultural and community initiatives for the passionate soccer fans of the region. From the first day through the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, it will be an unforgettable week in Minnesota.”
“For LIGA MX it was a great experience to play in the MLS All-Star Game for the first time last year. The players gave their all to represent our league and everyone enjoyed an unprecedented game, where the fans of each of our 18 teams came together to support the LIGA MX team,” said Mikel Arriola, Executive President of LIGA MX. “For us, the opportunity to relive this experience in 2022 is exciting and fills us with pride, but we are committed to preparing ourselves in the best way, and with our best players, to seek a win, and of course, revenge against MLS.”
The match will air live on ESPN and Univision in the U.S., TSN and TVA Sports in Canada, on ESPN throughout Mexico and Latin America, and in more than 190 countries around the world, with kickoff slated for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will go on sale to the public on April 28, however, fans can sign up for presale opportunities by visiting MLSsoccer.com/All-Star.
With Major League Soccer’s continued commitment to addressing its carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the operations of the 2022 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, including fan attendance, will be measured, reduced where possible and compensated by high-value verified offsets. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket will be allocated to support these and other local sustainability initiatives in the Twin Cities.
In addition to the MLS All-Star Game, a week-long celebration of soccer culture will be highlighted by the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target, MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T 5G, as well as community events and social impact initiatives. Beats, Cleats, and Eats presented by Coca-Cola will also return to provide fans the opportunity to celebrate food, music, and soccer culture.
With tickets on sale now for both the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target as well as the 2022 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T 5G, MLS today announced details for the events.
Khalid to Headline the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target
Five-time Grammy award nominated multiplatinum superstar Khalid will take center stage at the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target on Monday, Aug. 8 at The Commons in Downtown Minneapolis.
“I couldn’t be more excited to take the stage at this year’s MLS All-Star Concert in the Twin Cities,” said Khalid. “I’m so happy to be a part of this historic moment and perform new music for the fans.”
Tickets are on sale now for $25 and may be purchased by visiting MLSsoccer.com/All-Star or SeatGeek.com. All proceeds from the concert will benefit The Alliance, a non-profit organization that focuses on regional equity at the intersections of racial justice, economic justice, environmental justice and health equity within the Twin Cities.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T 5G to Feature MLS vs. LIGA MX
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T 5G returns as the best in MLS take on the LIGA MX All-Stars in the annual skills competition on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. CT at Allianz Field.
Providing fans with a fun and uniquely competitive take on the intracontinental rivalry, the stars of both leagues will be on display as ten players from each team compete in this ultimate test of skill. The event will include five competitions authentically rooted in the sport: Shooting Challenge presented by AT&T 5G; Touch Challenge presented by Old Spice; Cross & Volley Challenge presented by AT&T 5G; Passing Challenge presented by Bounty; and Crossbar Challenge presented by GilletteLabs.
MLS will be looking to take the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge title from LIGA MX, who were the victors of the 2021 edition in Los Angeles.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $23 and can be purchased by visiting MLSsoccer.com/All-Star.
All-Star week to feature social responsibility as well as inclusion and equity initiatives
In addition to the ticketed events, MLS All-Star Week, through MLS WORKS, Major League Soccer’s social responsibility platform, alongside Minnesota United and Target, will be focusing efforts that directly support communities in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
The planned events and initiatives include MLS WORKS All-Star Day of Service presented by Target and the Special Olympics Unified All-Star Game presented by MLS WORKS, ESPN, and Coca-Cola. MLS and Target also today announced plans to build a mini-pitch at the Mount Airy Boys & Girls Club in Saint Paul. In partnership with Minnesota United and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the mini-pitch will be officially unveiled during All-Star week as part of the MLS WORKS + Target All-Star Community Day. The project at Mount Airy Boys & Girls Club is part of the league’s commitment to build more inclusive communities, while continuing to highlight the importance of play equity and providing greater access for youth from underserved communities to play the game and learn critical life skills.
Importantly, MLS continues its Inclusion and Equity strategy of bridging the wealth equity gap by showcasing and supporting diverse leaders and entrepreneurs from Saint Paul and Minneapolis in its inaugural MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase. The Hometown Heroes Showcase will acknowledge and celebrate a selection of innovative, inclusive and impactful leaders making positive social change in one of four focus areas: education, mental health, food insecurity and social justice. These leaders and their organizations will receive a suite of support services to elevate and amplify their impact. Hometown Heroes will be integrated into MLS All-Star activities and social platforms leading up to All-Star and will culminate with a live panel discussion and showcase to highlight their mission and work.
Full details regarding community programming and additional entertainment events throughout the MLS All-Star week will be announced in the coming weeks.
For More information about the MLS All-Star Game presented Target, please visit www.MLSsoccer.com/All-Star.
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