UC Santa Barbara is thrilled to announce its involvement in the highly anticipated 2024 Wrex Coast Tour this summer, with Harder Stadium set to host an electrifying all-British showdown between Wrexham AFC and AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, July 20th. This clash marks the commencement of a three-match tour for the Red Dragons, as they make their way up the West Coast.
Harder Stadium, affectionately known as Soccer Heaven, serves as the home turf for the UC Santa Barbara Men's and Women's soccer teams, who regularly compete on its hallowed grounds. With a seating capacity of 17,000, this legendary stadium has witnessed numerous NCAA Division I College Cups and hosted various professional training sessions and matches, including those featuring the U.S. Women's National Team, MLS, and La Liga MX.
Kelly Barsky, Director of Athletics at UC Santa Barbara, expressed her excitement about hosting the Wrex Coast Tour, emphasizing the significance of this partnership in connecting with the community. She underscored the exceptional opportunity to bring top-tier soccer to Harder Stadium and engage with teams that share a commitment to community service.
Wrexham AFC has garnered global attention since its acquisition by actors and entrepreneurs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds in 2020. The club's rise to prominence has been documented in the acclaimed Welcome to Wrexham docu-series on FX. Founded in 1864, Wrexham is Wales's oldest professional soccer club and the third oldest in the world. With a devoted Welsh fan base behind them, Wrexham has recently secured consecutive promotions, earning them a spot in League One next season.
Humphrey Ker, Executive Director of Wrexham AFC, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming match against AFC Bournemouth, highlighting the latter's reputation as one of the Premier League's most exciting teams under the leadership of Andoni Iraola. He acknowledged the club's strong support in California and looked forward to engaging with fans during their preseason tour in North America.
AFC Bournemouth, a fixture in the Premier League over the past decade, has gained recognition for its entertaining and attacking style of football. Under the leadership of Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola, the Cherries have enjoyed on-pitch success and garnered praise for their performances. With star players like Dominic Solanke, Justin Kluivert, and US Men's National Team captain Tyler Adams, AFC Bournemouth is set to dazzle fans in Santa Barbara as part of their Bourne in the USA tour.
Neill Blake, Chief Executive of AFC Bournemouth, expressed his excitement about the summer tour plans, highlighting the significance of the match against Wrexham AFC as the team's opening fixture. He emphasized the club's eagerness to connect with its stateside fan base and introduce itself to new audiences during their time in California.
Tickets for the event will go on sale on Thursday, April 25, with a presale period for the Santa Barbara community preceding the general public sale. The aim is to fill Harder Stadium with local fans, showcasing the region's enthusiasm for world-class soccer. Tickets can be purchased through ucsbgauchos.com/tickets in collaboration with AXS.
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