The Baltimore Ravens will be hosting football of a different sort on Tuesday, August 6, when FC Barcelona and AC Milan kick off at M&T Bank Stadium. Announced earlier today, this exhibition is part of the Soccer Champions Tour, allowing local fans to see “Capt. America” Christian Pulisic play in person.
Already one of the most decorated American soccer players, Pulisic is often talked about as having potential for the United States Men’s National Team G.O.A.T. He’ll have a large cheering contingent in hand, too, as his hometown of Hershey, Pennsylvania, is less than 90 miles away.
Milan is one of the most famous and accomplished clubs in the world, having won seven European Cups (the second-most of all time, behind only Real Madrid’s 14), 19 Serie A (the top flight in Italy) league titles, five Italian Cups (Coppa Italia), five European Super Cups, and two Cup Winners’ Cups.
In addition to Pulisic, the Rossoneri boast a second USMNT star on their squad in Yunus Musah.
Meanwhile, their opponents, Barcelona, are widely considered one of the three most prominent clubs in the world, alongside Madrid and Manchester United. Almost every annual ranking that tracks metrics of a club’s brand power and wealth has these three clubs up near the top.
“We are excited to bring to Baltimore two of the most iconic soccer franchises in the world, FC Barcelona and AC Milan,” Ravens president Sashi Brown said.
“Hosting international soccer matches at M&T Bank Stadium shows the Mid-Atlantic’s growing demand and passion for the beautiful game and the Ravens’ commitment to bringing world-class sports and entertainment events to the greater Baltimore region.”
Two summers ago, M&T Bank Stadium hosted Everton and Arsenal (who had far more supporters in attendance than their opponents) in what was branded the “Charm City Match.”
The venue has also previously hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches.