Fenway Sports Management (FSM) learned a lot from staging the first “Football at Fenway” game. It promises improvements in a number of areas ahead of this summer’s friendly.
“One of the important factors for Fenway Sports Group and Fenway Park is the fact that we have successfully hosted an international friendly at Fenway,” Fenway Sports Management president Sam Kennedy said.
“We learned a tremendous amount [from the first Football at Fenway game], everything from field conversions, to the amenities for players, to how to properly segregate fans in terms of the ticket buying experience.”
Fenway Park captivated soccer fans from near and far in July 2010 when it hosted Celtic FC and Portugal’s Sporting CP. More than 32,000 packed the historic ballpark to watch the teams play out a 1-1 draw. The game then went straight to a round of penalty kicks, which Celtic won 6-5.
On July 25, Liverpool and AS Roma will bring the beautiful game back to Fenway Park. Both teams will be deep into their preseason preparations, and the game will feature world-renowned stars like Steve Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Francesco Totti.
Tickets go on sale to the public on April 28 (on RedSox.com). Between fans of both teams and fans who attended the last Celtic-Sporting game, Kennedy believes it will be one of the hottest tickets in town.
“There was great fan support [in 2010],” Kennedy said. “There was an electric atmosphere inside of Fenway given that it’s a smaller building. We expect every seat to be occupied on July 25, given the worldwide following and passion for these two clubs. There is a lot of anticipation for this match.”
The friendly will be the showpiece event for Liverpool’s North American tour. The Reds will travel to Toronto and Baltimore for other friendlies. But Boston will be the club’s home base. It’s almost certain that the city and club will leave a lasting impression on one another.
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