For the first time in history, Kenan Stadium will host an international soccer match. And it will feature two historic clubs.
North Carolina announced on Thursday that Chelsea and Wrexham will meet as part of the 2023 FC Series in Kenan Stadium on July 19th. The preseason friendly will mark the first time the two clubs will meet on neutral soil.
Wrexham is owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and can clinch a spot in the English National League for the first time since 2008 with a win.
“Our tour of the United States will be an exciting part of the summer’s build-up to the new season and something we will all be looking forward to in July. To have the opportunity to play a team of Chelsea’s caliber at the Kenan Stadium, North Carolina, will be a terrific test for our players and form an important part of our preparations for the 2023/24 season,” Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson said. “We’re looking forward to meeting some of the fans who have supported us so passionately from afar this season at a renowned athletics stadium.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea is having struggles in the Premier League holding just 39 points and being in the bottom half of the table. They were also eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League this week.
Still, Chelsea has a big fanbase in the United States and this will give fans from North Carolina a chance to see the club in the preseason tour.
“We are delighted to return to North Carolina as part of our US tour this summer, and play in what I’m sure will be a fantastic atmosphere at Kenan Stadium,” Chelsea FC President of Business Tom Glick said. “Our strong US fanbase support us incredibly all year round and we are looking forward to meeting them in Chapel Hill.”
Tickets for the match will go on sale Thursday, April 27th. Broadcast info and official start time will be announced at a later date.
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