So. Maryland to Host Soccer

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on May 30, 2009

(Waldorf, Md.): The Charles County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs minor league baseball team announced today that Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf has been selected to host one of two 2009 exhibition matches to be played in the United States by London England’s Crystal Palace Football Club. The match will be played Monday evening, July 13 at 8 p.m. against Crystal Palace Baltimore, the U.S. based affiliate of the parent club, and will be televised nationally by Fox Soccer Channel, part of the Fox Sports Network.

“Hosting an international event, like Crystal Palace exhibition Football in our stadium is yet another milestone for Charles County and further demonstrates our stadium is realizing the potential we only dreamed of just a few short years ago,” said Charles County Commissioner President Wayne Cooper.

“The potential economic boost from an event like this couldn’t come at a better time. We look forward to showcasing our stadium, and Charles County, to a whole new audience of sports enthusiasts,” added Cooper.

In order to host the match, the entire infield will be laid with sod.  The field will run parallel to the first base side of the playing field.

“The Blue Crabs will be on the road July 9 to 16, and we will take advantage of this configuration by having soccer clinics and other soccer related events scheduled around the professional match”, said Blue Crabs General Manager Chris Allen. “The match will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the evening,” added Allen.

This event is another demonstration of the multiple uses for Regency Furniture Stadium.  Last year, the stadium hosted three major concert events (REO Speedwagon, Kool & The Gang and the “Country Jam” featuring Gary Allan), and it’s slated to host two more concerts this year (T-Pain & FloRida and Trace Adkins).  The facility also hosts major baseball events outside of the Blue Crabs, including the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Division All-Star Game on July 15, which will be televised by MASN, the cable home of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.

Tickets to the match will be general admission, and adult tickets are $14 apiece, and $12 for youth, seniors and military.  Group rates are available by contacting the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs group sales department at 301-638-9788.

Event: Crystal Palace Football Club (London) vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore

Nationally televised match (Fox Soccer Channel)

Match followed by Fireworks

Where: Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland:  Home of The Atlantic League’s Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

When: Monday, July 13, 2009, 8 p.m. (Gates open 6:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $14 adult, $12 youth, seniors and military

Tickets are currently on sale at www.somdbluecrabs.com, or by calling 301-638-9788.

Crystal Palace Football Club (UK) was founded in 1905 in south London and was a founding member of the English Premier League. The Club is currently a member of The Football League Championship, and plays its home matches at historic Selhurst Park which opened in 1924. Crystal Palace UK chairman, Simon Jordan, saw an opportunity not only to develop the footprint of Crystal Palace worldwide, but more specifically to tap into the under-appreciated pool of American soccer talent.  This vision has lead to periodic tours of the United States, and in 2006 a U.S. affiliate was created in Baltimore. The U.S. club is a member of the United Soccer Leagues and also competes in the U.S. Open Cup, a 100-year old event, playing against competition such as the D.C. United, New York Red Bulls and Los Angeles Galaxy. Under the affiliation arrangement between the two Crystal Palace clubs, some players from the English club have played in Baltimore, and several senior and youth players from Crystal Palace Baltimore have spent time training in London with the English team.

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