COLUMBUS, Ohio — English Premier League rivals Chelsea FC and Manchester City will be playing against one another at The Ohio State University’s Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, according to a press release from the Columbus Crew.
The match, which is part of the 2024 FC series, is not the only time a Premier League team will visit the Buckeye state this year. On July 27, the Aston Villa Football Club will play against the Crew at Lower.com Field as part of the Leagues Cup Showcase.
Ticket sales open at 10 a.m. on March 27, and the release notes fans can visit www.FCSeries.com for “an exclusive 24-hour presale.”
"Ohio Stadium is a special location for creating a unique event for these world class teams,” said Molly Pendleton, senior vice president of Unified Events, in the release. “Playing in Columbus with teams like Chelsea FC and Manchester City will showcase the passion of Ohio and American soccer fans.”
This match will mark the 178th face-off between the clubs. Chelsea’s chief executive officer, Chris Jurasek, said they are delighted to face Manchester City in this match.
“Ohio Stadium is renowned for its history, and we know it is going to be an incredible occasion in front of our devoted U.S. fanbase this summer,” Jurasek said in the release.
The senior vice president partnerships at City Football Group, Peter Laundy, said their pre-season visit to the U.S. in 2022 was “hugely successful,” noting they had a sell-out game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
“We can’t wait to play more matches, deliver more unique experiences and opportunities for our fans across the country to enjoy with Manchester City when we return later this year,” Laundy said in the release.
In addition to Columbus, the FC Series will feature matches in Chapel Hill, North Carolina; New York City; and Orlando, Florida.
“Our team is excited to pair two of the biggest clubs in the world at an iconic venue for American sports,” said Steve Hogan, Florida Citrus Sports CEO, in the release. “This will be a must-see match on the summer soccer calendar, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Manchester City, Chelsea and Unified Events to bring it to the campus of The Ohio State University."
The match on Aug. 3, according to the release, is the second international soccer match at the stadium. Previously, Paris Saint-Germain played against Real Madrid CF to 86,641 spectators.
Xen Riggs, Ohio State Department of Athletics vice president/chief operating officer, said in the release that this game has puts the city on an international stage.
“Our collaborations and partnerships across Columbus and the investments that have been made continue to pay back strong dividends,” Riggs said in the release. “Thanks to all of our community partners for this amazing effort. The Ohio State University and iconic Ohio Stadium are proud of the international destination we have become.”
Tim Bezbatchenko, the Columbus Crew’s president and general manager, thanked The Ohio State University, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Unified Events.
“As Major League Soccer’s first Club, we have consistently experienced the tremendous passion for and growth of our sport in Columbus during Crew matches, U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team games and competitions at all levels of play, including amateur soccer at the youth, high school and collegiate levels,” he said. “By hosting two world-class English Premier League clubs, we are continuing to showcase that Columbus is a Soccer City while supporting the economic development of our region through major international events like this match, our 2023 MLS Cup championship and Aston Villa game in July, the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, SheBelieves Cup and more.”