HOUSTON - Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced this week that reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City will meet Liga BBVA MX powerhouse Club América in the 2022 Copa de Lone Star at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Tickets for this international friendly will go on sale to the public beginning on April 28. Fans can find ticket and match information at www.lsse.net/copadelonestar. Television broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
The contest will mark Manchester City's first international friendly in over two calendar years due to COVID-19 restrictions and the club's return to NRG Stadium after taking on Manchester United on July 20, 2017, in the first overseas Manchester derby. Club América returns to NRG Stadium for the first time since meeting F.C. Barcelona on August 9, 2006. Manchester City will play a second U.S. preseason fixture to be announced in the near future.
"We are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome these two iconic teams and their passionate fans back to Houston for one of this summer's most exciting events," said Greg Grissom, President of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. "Manchester City and Club América are truly global brands. On July 20, the stage will be set at NRG Stadium for another exciting chapter in each club's storied legacy."
"Houston is the nation's most diverse and inclusive city. We love sports and welcome fans worldwide to come and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of great competition and sportsmanship," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "We are honored to be the host city for the match between these two outstanding teams. The event is guaranteed to be huge for soccer fans and a big win for the City of Houston."
"The game of soccer is as close as we get to having an international language," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. "As the third largest county in America, the most diverse in the nation and a destination for people and businesses from across the globe, we are delighted to welcome these two teams to Harris County. I'm confident these teams and their fans will not soon forget the wonderful hospitality, energy, and spirit of competition our region is known for."
Manchester City was originally founded as St. Mark's West Gorton in 1880, later assuming its current name in 1894. The Club has secured a European Cup Winners' Cup, seven League Championship titles, including five Premier League titles in the last seven years (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) and six FA Cups. Manchester City is one of 11 clubs comprising the City Football Group (CFG). Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world soccer, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the 55,000 seat Etihad Stadium that City has called home since 2003.
"We are excited to return to the United States for this summer's preseason trip, our first since before COVID. Our players and coaches cannot wait to play once again in-person in front of our American fans, who have shown us such great support and passion," said Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group. "Our first stop will be to Houston where we will take on Club América in our first preseason exhibition match. Houston is a city we are familiar with and have had the privilege to play at NRG Stadium before. Houston welcomed us with southern hospitality when we came for preseason in 2017 and we are really looking forward to returning to see our Texan fans."
Founded in 1916, Club América plays its home matches at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and has won a record 13 league titles, six Copa MX titles and six Campeón de Campeones cups. Club América's 10 FIFA recognized club trophies are the most of any club in the Concacaf region, with a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup/Champions League titles, two Copa Interamericana titles and one Cocacaf Giants Cup.
"Facing a rival like Manchester City is always an exciting opportunity and we're very thankful for the invitation," said Santiago Baños, President of Club América. "The upcoming match on July 20 is an incredible chance for fans in the United Kingdom, United States and abroad to better get to know Mexican football, and of course this represents an amazing opportunity for the Americanistas to watch their favorite team play against an elite international opponent."
The home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NRG Stadium has also hosted numerous major sporting events, including two Super Bowls, two NCAA Men's Final Fours, Copa America Centenario, Concacaf Gold Cup and various international soccer matches the United States Women's and Men's National Teams, the Mexican Men's National Team and top soccer clubs from around the world.
