Tuesday, September 2, 2008            
                                         

RFK Stadium Hosts FIFAWorld Cup Qualifier Against Cuba on Oct. 11th

Tickets go on sale beginning Thursday, Sept. 4th

(Washington, DC) – “The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission announced today that tickets for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cuba on Oct. 11, 2008 at the historic RFK Stadium will go on sale beginning Sept. 4th.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic and Galavision. Fans can also follow along live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

“We’re happy to host the FIFA world cup qualifier again which will feature some of the best names in soccer from the US and Cuba,” said Erik A. Moses, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission chief executive officer.  “Bringing first-class, professional soccer matches to our stadium is significant for our entire community.”

RFK Stadium is a familiar facility to the U.S. national team, having 17 matches played at the venue since 1977.  The U.S. has established a 10-3-4 record in the nation’s capital, including a 3-1-1 record in World Cup qualifying.  With an average attendance of over 30,000, Washington, D.C. has witnessed several memorable matches, including a 4-0 victory against Mexico in 1995 and a 1-0 win against Argentina in 1999. 

Tickets ranging in price levels from $28 to $95 are available starting this Thursday, Sept. 4th at 10 a.m. online at ussoccer.com, through all Washington-Baltimore Ticketmaster outlets (including Macy’s stores, and by phone Washington 202-397-SEAT (7328); Baltimore 410-547-SEAT (7328); Northern Virginia 703-573-SEAT (7328); out of state 1-800-551-SEAT (7328). Groups of 20 or more can obtain a group order form at ussoccer.com or by phone at 312-528-1290. Ultimate Fan Tickets, a special VIP package which includes a premium ticket, a custom made official U.S. national team jersey personalized with name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits) are also available exclusively through ussoccer.com. Visa® is the preferred card of U.S. Soccer.

As a sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa is pleased to offer all Visa cardholders access to an advance ticket sale for this match before the sale to the general public. This advance sale will take place from Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, at 8 a.m. ET until Thursday, Sept. 4th, at 8 a.m. ET at ussoccer.com. Visa will be the only payment method accepted through the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.

RFK last hosted the national team on Oct. 13, 2004, when an Eddie Johnson hat trick paced the United States to a 6-0 victory against Panama to close out the semifinal phase of qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The U.S. has faced Cuba only once before in World Cup qualifying, dating back to a two-game series in 1949 that was played in Mexico City, Mexico. The U.S. tied Cuba, 1-1 in their first meeting and then won 5-2 during a three-team group that also included Mexico. Overall, the U.S. holds a 5-1-1 record against Cuba with 21 goals for and nine goals against.

The U.S. currently sits in second place of Group A behind Trinidad & Tobago after one match. The U.S. collected their first ever World Cup qualifying victory on Guatemalan soil with a 1-0 win on Aug. 20 in Guatemala City to open the semifinal round. Next up, the U.S. will first complete an historic visit to Cuba on Sept. 6 (8 p.m. ET - ESPN Classic, Galavision), making their first appearance on the island since 1947. Four days later, the U.S. welcomes Trinidad & Tobago to Chicago for the team’s debut in Bridgeview, Ill. During this round, there will be three groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the final round of qualifying that will be held in 2009.

RFK Stadium has served as the home of four-time MLS Cup Champion D.C. United since its inception in 1996 and was the first venue to host the MLS Cup Championship three times.  The stadium’s storied bouncy seats and nostalgic charm add to the authentic soccer atmosphere that fans relish at the games.  In addition to two MLS Cups, RFK has hosted several memorable soccer matches including World Cup games in 1994, Olympic men’s soccer in 1996, the 2002 and 2004 MLS All-Star games. 

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of Nationals Park which was completed in record time and within the cost cap.  The mission of the DCSEC is to attract, present and host sporting, entertainment and special events.  The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.