n what soccer world sports agency owner Mark Weisman claims is, “The highest professional soccer event to ever hit Tennessee,” Club America will face off against Pachuca at 8 p.m. on July 7 at Finley Stadium. With a soccer fan base that has proven supportive for the Chattanooga Futbol Club, Weisman says, “We are thrilled and honored to host these amazing and legendary teams from Mexico, and we are confident that the thousands of soccer fans in the Southeast will come out to support what are two of Mexico’s most popular clubs.”
With soccer still considered the world’s most popular sport, America is catching up in the international ranks. As a result, a match-up of this magnitude with two members of Mexico’s top-level professional Primera Division is very rarely seen on American soil—and a complete rarity in Chattanooga. The scheduling of an exhibition match of this size in Chattanooga is a reflection of the city’s rising status as a host not only in our region, but also with events of international appeal.
With an expected sell-out crowd at the 20,668-seat Finley Stadium, the event has generated quite a bit of anticipation and support from the local community.
“This is a great opportunity for Chattanooga to once again showcase how welcoming we are to international communities,” said Gladys Pineda-Loher, business coordinator for the Chattanooga Chamber. “This is the biggest sporting event that has come to Chattanooga in a long time and we will be excited to help it become a success.”