Premier League Coming to Chicago: A City on the Rise
The Premier League is making its way to Chicago, and it’s time to grab your banners and get ready for a weekend of world-class football. The league’s Summer Series exhibition tournament, announced on Sunday, is set to take place in July, bringing together some of the most storied teams in English football. Chicago joins New Jersey and Atlanta as one of three U.S. cities hosting the event, which will see AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United battle it out in a series of eagerly anticipated matches. The tournament kicks off on July 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Chicago hosting an evening doubleheader on July 30 at Soldier Field. The final leg will wrap up on August 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
A Proud Tradition of International Sport
The Premier League’s visit is just the latest in a series of high-profile events that have solidified Chicago’s reputation as a global sports destination. Last September, a Premier League fan fest drew a record 15,646 attendees to Lincoln Park, where fans gathered for a weekend of early morning match broadcasts on nine large-screen TVs. The event, which included live broadcasts, trophy photos, and meet-and-greets with football legends, demonstrated the city’s fervent passion for the sport. According to Akash Jain, the U.S. managing director of the Premier League, the fan fest was a testament to the city’s enthusiasm for Premier League clubs and players. "The fans came to watch the matches, to see NBC broadcast live, get a picture with the trophy, meet legends," Jain said. "And it just showcased the appetite that they have for the Premier League clubs and our players."
Premier League Summer Series: A Recap and Look Ahead
This is the second Premier League Summer Series to be held in the U.S., following the inaugural tournament in July 2023, which drew more than 265,000 fans across four East Coast venues. Chelsea emerged as the victor, and the event was a resounding success. The 2023 series is expected to build on that momentum, with Chicago poised to welcome a diverse and passionate fan base. Ticket registration is already open, with presale starting on Thursday and general admission sales beginning on Friday. Prices start at $77, and one ticket will cover both matches at Soldier Field. The clubs are also promoting travel packages for their supporters, ensuring a lively and international atmosphere at the stadium.
Soldier Field: A Venue Ready for International Stars
Soldier Field, with its stunning lakefront setting, has a rich history of hosting major sports events. The stadium has seen its share of memorable moments, including a record-breaking crowd of 61,308 fans who watched Manchester United face the Chicago Fire in 2011. More recently, the Fire broke their own attendance record with a 4-1 victory over Inter Miami in October 2023, drawing more than 62,000 fans, many of whom came to see Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi. Although Messi missed the match due to a leg injury, the event was a testament to the stadium’s ability to attract and entertain large, enthusiastic crowds.
Chicago: The Best Sports City in the World?
The Premier League Summer Series is just one of several major sporting events on Chicago’s calendar. In November, Soldier Field will host a much-anticipated rugby rematch between Ireland and the New Zealand All Blacks, with the first day of ticket sales seeing 50,000 seats sold in a single day. The event is essentially sold out, further cementing Chicago’s status as a global sports hub. Kara Bachman, executive director of the Chicago Sports Commission, is confident that the city will continue to draw international attention. "We’re bringing the best soccer and the best rugby in the world to Chicago, all within a couple of months," Bachman said. "Chicago is the best sports city in the U.S., and we’re vying for that title worldwide."
A Football Exchange Program and More
While the Bears are currently exploring a move to a new stadium in Arlington Heights, Chicago continues to participate in a kind of football exchange program. Last fall, the Bears faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home of a Premier League club, in front of nearly 62,000 fans. The Premier League Summer Series at Soldier Field could be an equally big draw, with fans expected to travel from neighboring states and even internationally to witness the excitement. The event is a testament to Chicago’s ability to host and celebrate world-class sports, making it a city to watch in the international sports landscape.
