English Premier League Teams To Compete at Raymond James Stadium This Summer

BALTIMORE (May 9, 2024) – International event agency Elite Promotions Group today announced that English Premier League teams West Ham United F.C. and Crystal Palace F.C. will compete in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, August 3 at 7 p.m. The match is part of The Stateside Cup, a three-city tournament to be played over one week, July 27 through August 3, culminating in Tampa. The Stateside Cup will also feature Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (more widely known as just Wolves) in matches that will take place in Jacksonville, Florida (July 27) and Annapolis, Maryland (July 31). The inaugural Stateside Cup trophy will be awarded to the top-performing team.

“We are proud to bring these three historic Premier League teams to the U.S. for The Stateside Cup,” Elite Promotions Cofounder Raymond Farrelly said. “This will be a true tournament, with a winner crowned following the three-game series so competition will be fierce. We know that Jacksonville, Annapolis, and Tampa are strong markets for soccer and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the world’s best talent in these three games.”

Pre-sale of tickets starts Friday, May 10 for team supporter groups, and tickets will be available to the general public on Monday, May 13, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern U.S. Time. Each team will have designated fan areas in addition to general seating. West Ham United supporters will have Sections 122, 123, 124, and Crystal Palace supporters will have Sections 147, 148, 149. Limited tickets are available for as low as $35.00, and limited premium seating is available. Previous years have sold out quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Tickets can be purchased through StatesideCup.com.

Three-time winners of the FA Cup and last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League champions, West Ham United last traveled to the United States as a full squad for summer friendlies in 2016. One of the fastest-growing brands in world football, West Ham is the most followed and fastest-growing team outside the Top 6 in the Premier League.

“We’re really excited to be heading Stateside this summer for our preseason tour,” West Ham United Chief Commercial Officer Nathan Thompson said. “The U.S. market is key for West Ham United, and the club’s presence, fan base, and status continues to grow significantly in the States. We can’t wait to play the matches and deliver unique experiences and opportunities for our fans in America.”

Crystal Palace is making back-to-back trips to the U.S., having played matches in Chicago and Detroit just last year. On top of six previous pre-season tours Stateside, Palace have attended the last two Premier League Mornings Live! Events in Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida.

"After such a brilliant tour last year, we are delighted to be returning to the United States once again this summer,” Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish said. “As a club, we are always hugely appreciative of the support that we receive over in the U.S., and we hope our growing fan base will enjoy the chance to join us in Annapolis and Tampa for two exciting matches against Premier League opposition. I know our U.S.-based supporters will give Oliver and his team a warm welcome as they step up preparations for the 2024/25 season.”

“Tampa Bay has a rich tradition of soccer and having the opportunity to host two great clubs like West Ham United and Crystal Palace at Raymond James Stadium is truly an honor,” Tampa Bay Sports Commission Executive Director Rob Higgins said. “Our friends at Elite Promotions have been hosting great youth events in our hometown for quite some time and for them to now bring together an EPL matchup of this caliber is tremendous.”

About West Ham United Football Club

West Ham United is a Premier League Football Club based in London, England. The Club was originally founded as Thames Ironworks FC in 1895, then reformed as West Ham United FC in 1900. The Club was elected to the Football League in 1919, won the FA Cup in 1964, 1975, and 1980, the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965 and the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, and has also reached three other major finals. Nicknamed the Hammers and the Irons in recognition of the Club’s heritage, West Ham United is based at the 62,500-capacity London Stadium, where they play in front of sell-out crowds in the English Premier League and UEFA competitions. Also known as The Academy of Football, the Club provided three members of England’s 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning team and has won the FA Youth Cup on four occasions. For more information, visit: whufc.com

About Crystal Palace Football Club

Crystal Palace F.C. was established in 1861, playing its first match in March 1862, and was a founder member of both the Football Association and FA Cup. The Eagles – who play in red and blue - have played their home matches at Selhurst Park in South London since 1924, in front of a passionate supporter base who are widely regarded as creating one of the best atmospheres in English football. U.S. supporters will be familiar with the Eagles’ home stadium as it was the location for Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond’s home ground. For more information, visit: cpfc.co.uk