Una pre-venta exclusiva de Visa para boletos se iniciará este jueves, 8 de diciembre a las 10:00 a.m. hora del Este en www.Ticketmaster.com o llamando al 1-800-745-3000. Los boletos se pondrán a la venta para el público en general el lunes, 12 de diciembre a las 10:00 a.m. hora del Este en www.Ticketmaster.com, llamando al 1-800-745-3000 y en todos los puntos de venta de Ticketmaster. La Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invita a los aficionados a comprar sus boletos por adelantado usando sus tarjetas Visa.

A mediados de 2012 empezarán las rondas de calificación de la CONCACAF para la Copa Mundial en donde México tratará de asegurarse una plaza en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2014 Brasil. Bajo la dirección de José Manuel de la Torre, los compromisos ante Venezuela y Colombia forman parte de la preparación para iniciar la ronda de calificación el 8 de junio contra Guyana y el 12 del mismo mes contra El Salvador.

México vs. Venezuela – 25 de enero en Houston
Históricamente, México y Venezuela se han enfrentado en diez ocasiones, con un resultado general de 8-2-0 a favor del Tri. La última vez que se enfrentaron fue en marzo de este año en un empate en el Qualcomm Stadium de San Diego.

La selección de Venezuela es una potencia emergente en el fútbol sudamericano. El verano pasado, la Vinotinto terminó en una sorprendente cuarta posición en la Copa América. Actualmente, está enfocada en las eliminatorias de la CONMEBOL para la Copa Mundial en Brasil, donde se encuentra empatada con las superpotencias Uruguay y Argentina en la primera posición de la tabla.

México vs. Colombia – 29 de febrero en Miami
El partido entre México y Colombia en Miami será el 28vo enfrentamiento entre las dos selecciones, con un resultado total favorable al equipo azteca de 12-9-6. El último encuentro entre los dos equipos terminó con la victoria de México por 1-0 en el 2011.

Colombia es un contendiente en las clasificatorias para la Copa Mundial en Brasil, actualmente en la sexta posición en la CONMEBOL, con un partido pendiente. Liderados por su capitán Mario Yepes (AC Milan/Italia) y la estrella Radamel Falcao (Atlético de Madrid/España), Colombia es entrenada por la ex estrella de la MLS Leonel Álvarez, quien esperará seguir mejorando después de la actuación de la selección cafetera en la Copa América en el que llegó a los cuartos de final.

La gira anual de la Selección Nacional Mexicana, una colaboración entre la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol y Soccer United Marketing, consistirá de cinco partidos en los Estados unidos. Los detalles de los otros encuentros se anunciarán cuando estén confirmados. Casi dos millones de aficionados han asistido a los 40 partidos disputados desde que la gira anual empezó en 2004.

En los próximos días se darán a conocer los detalles sobre el proceso de acreditación para los medios de comunicación que planeen cubrir los partidos de la Selección Mexicana.

Los patrocinadores de la Gira por los EE.UU. 2012 de la Selección Mexicana son adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Cacique, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Degree Men, el Jimador, Makita, NAPA Auto Parts, The Home Depot, Visa y Wrigley’s Extra® Gum.

Gira por los EE.UU. 2012 de la Selección Nacional Mexicana
Fecha Oponente Estadio Ciudad Hora (ET)
25 enero Venezuela Reliant Stadium Houston, TX 9 p.m.
29 febrero Colombia Sun Life Stadium Miami, FL 8 p.m.

An exclusive Visa pre-sale for both games will begin Thursday, Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m. ET via www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Dec. 12 at 10:00 a.m. ET on www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at all Ticketmaster locations in the game markets. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invites fans to use their Visa cards.

Early 2012 marks the beginning of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying rounds, as Mexico looks to secure its spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Mexico, under the direction of Jose Manuel de la Torre, will use the tour matches as preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, on June 8 against Guyana and June 12 against El Salvador.

Mexico v Venezuela – Jan. 25 in Houston
Historically, Mexico and Venezuela have faced off ten times, with an 8-2-0 record in favor of “El Tri.” The two teams last met in March of this year at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Venezuela’s national team is a growing power in South American soccer. Last summer, the “Vinotinto,” as they are known by their colors, finished in a surprising fourth place in Copa America and are currently tied with powerhouses Uruguay and Argentina at the top of the table in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Mexico v Colombia – Feb. 29 in Miami
The match between Mexico and Colombia in Miami will mark the 28th encounter between the teams, with a record of 12-9-6 in favor of the Aztec nation. The last meeting between the two ended with a 1-0 Mexico victory in 2011.

Colombia is a contender in the ongoing South American World Cup qualifiers, currently in sixth place in CONMEBOL with a game at hand. Led by their captain Mario Yepes (AC Milan/Italy) and star Radamel Falcao (Atlético Madrid/Spain), Colombia is coached by former MLS star Leonel Álvarez, who hopes to build from their Copa America 2011 quarterfinal performance.

The annual Mexican National Team U.S. Tour, a partnership between FMF and SUM, features up to five matches across the United States. The remaining tour dates will be announced as they are confirmed. Almost two million fans have attended the 40 matches since the annual tour began in 2004.

Details for media accreditation will be released in the coming days for media members who plan to cover the upcoming Mexican national team games.

The 2012 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour sponsors are adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Cacique, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Degree Men, el Jimador, Makita, NAPA Auto Parts, The Home Depot, Visa and Wrigley’s Extra® Gum.

2012 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour
Date Opponent Venue City Time (ET)
Jan. 25 Venezuela Reliant Stadium Houston, TX 9 p.m.
Feb. 29 Colombia Sun Life Stadium Miami, FL 8 p.m.

“The recent FIFA World Cup™ performance by the U.S. Men’s National Team in South Africa and the Women’s National Team in Germany has helped increase consumer interest in soccer in the U.S.,” said Alex Craddock, Head of North America Marketing, Visa Inc. “As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares for Brazil 2014, the renewed SUM sponsorship agreement which supports Visa’s FIFA partnership, will help connect Visa and our clients to a multicultural and passionate soccer fan base across the USA. We continue to invest in sponsorship properties that deliver tangible and proven business building benefits to Visa, its clients and partners.”

Visa will continue to receive exclusive onsite promotional rights at annual MLS special events including the AT&T MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, as well as all Mexican National Team and U.S. National Team games played in the United States. Visa will also be entitled to targeted marketing and promotional rights, including use of MLS, FMF and USSF intellectual property. Throughout the term, Visa cardholders will continue to have priority access to match tickets and unique fan experiences, through exclusive Visa presales and Visa Signature programs. The relationship also features a partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes.

“Visa has been a great worldwide supporter of the sport of soccer,” said Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing. “We are thrilled to have Visa extend their domestic relationship with The Beautiful Game through the continuation of the partnership with MLS, U.S. Soccer and the FMF.”

This sponsorship is the single largest marketing investment Brown-Forman has made in its tequila brands since acquiring Casa Herradura in 2007 and provides the brand with a comprehensive activation platform across the highest levels of the sport, including:
MLS and its marquee events: MLS First Kick, the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, and MLS Cup, MLS’ championship game.
Global rights to the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, which will represent the U.S. in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 2012 Olympic Games, and 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Sponsorship of the hugely popular annual United States tour by the Mexican National Team.
Brown-Forman will receive extensive marketing and promotional rights across the properties to leverage with its consumers including logo rights for promotions, on-field signage at over 100 nationally televised matches per year, on-site presence at matches, ability to develop co-branded merchandise, player appearances and to be announced proprietary programs. All messaging will remind consumers to drink responsibly, a key emphasis for the brand, the company and the SUM properties.

“We believe the time is right to make a major investment in soccer in this country as the sport aligns very well with our target consumer and is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the shifting demographics in the marketplace,” said Kris Sirchio, Chief Marketing Officer for Brown-Forman. “We look forward to working with our new partners at SUM to capitalize on this opportunity by bringing innovative and exciting activation programs to the millions of soccer fans across America.”

Experts are bullish on the prospects for soccer in the United States. According to a poll conducted in December 2010 by the SportsBusiness Journal, sports business executives overwhelmingly voted soccer and MLS as the sport and league with the most growth potential. Additionally, Nielsen studies show Hispanic consumers are some of the most avid soccer fans — from playing recreationally to attending matches or watching it at home with friends. Those same studies show el Jimador Tequila consumers are even more likely than others to watch soccer live or on TV, and soccer viewership is one of the top occasions when Hispanic consumers imbibe in tequila.

“Soccer aligns perfectly with el Jimador Tequila, the number one selling tequila in Mexico and one of the fastest growing tequila brands in the United States,” said Mark Grindstaff, U.S. brand director for Casa Herradura Tequilas. “We think the combination of these properties gives us a powerful marketing platform to reach the diverse and growing soccer market in this country.”

“We would like to welcome el Jimador to the SUM family,” said David Wright, vice president, global sponsorship, SUM. “The el Jimador brand is an ideal match for the sport of soccer; a brand that we anticipate will become synonymous with our passionate fans for many years to come.”

FocalSport, LLC was integral to bringing Brown-Forman and Soccer United Marketing together.

To follow el Jimador’s activation and presence during games, please visit the brand’s Facebook page at http://facebook.com/eljimador.

The sponsorship renewal with SUM will also provide Anheuser-Busch’s biggest brands – Budweiser and Bud Light – a global platform to support the sport. Budweiser and Bud Light’s respective sponsorships of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams grant the beers global sponsorship rights, including the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, the 2012 Olympic teams and the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ team. In addition to logo rights for point-of-sale materials, advertising and promotions, Budweiser and Bud Light will receive entitlement to the Man of the Match award. Bud Light’s sponsorship renewal of the Mexican National Team allows the brand to continue supporting the team in the U.S., including logo rights for packaging and advertising, on-site activations during friendly matches in the U.S., and on-field signage during nationally televised U.S. broadcasts.

“Anheuser-Busch has a rich history in soccer, and we’re thrilled to continue our role as an ambassador of the sport through SUM’s top properties,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports & entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “Not only do we have a chance to grow the sport nationally through our sponsorships of Major League Soccer and the Mexican National Team’s in the U.S., but Budweiser and Bud Light’s sponsorship of the U.S. national teams allows us to reach soccer fans on a truly global level.”

“SUM is excited to announce our renewal with Anheuser-Busch, one of the most visible and committed corporate partners of soccer in the United States,” said Kathy Carter, president of Soccer United Marketing. “A long-standing relationship exists between Anheuser-Busch and all three of these properties: MLS, U.S. Soccer and the FMF. There is no question that Anheuser-Busch has been integral to the growth of Major League Soccer, a League that Anheuser-Busch believed in even before the first MLS ball was kicked in 1996.”

About Anheuser-Busch

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.9 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

About Soccer United Marketing

Founded in 2002, Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is the preeminent soccer business company in North America. SUM holds the exclusive rights to the most important soccer properties in the region, including: all commercial rights to Major League Soccer; the United States Soccer Federation; promotional and marketing rights to Mexican National Team games played in the United States; and the marketing and promotion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup™. Since 2008 SUM oversees a long-term partnership with La Liga’s historic club FC Barcelona, which includes tours of the legendary Spanish club. SUM also manages promotional and marketing rights in the United States for Mexico’s most popular sports team, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

In addition, SUM created SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship, international soccer tournaments featuring top clubs from MLS, Mexico and Asia. Since early 2009, SUM established MLS Digital Properties, formerly known as the SUM Digital Network, the only soccer advertising network of its kind, covering all facets of the sport in the U.S., which allows advertisers to reach millions of soccer fans via online advertising and sponsorship campaigns. These global properties are represented by SUM’s slogan: One Sport. One Company™. For more information, please visit www.SUMworld.com.

With more than 90 million soccer fans in the U.S. and growing popularity of the sport in participation and viewership, Allstate views the growth curve over the next four years leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as a prime opportunity to reach consumers who share the brand’s passion for the “Beautiful Game.”

“Allstate has a track record of helping fans get closer to the sports they love through our college football and Olympic sponsorships, and we look forward to joining with millions of passionate soccer fans out there by supporting the continued growth of the sport in the United States,” said Lisa Cochrane, vice president of marketing for Allstate. “Our message of ‘protection’ aligns very well with the sport and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to grow our involvement and support within the various soccer properties.”

In 2008, Allstate launched the “Protection is Our Game” (in Spanish, Protección es la jugada) campaign through a partnership with the FMF to reinforce the company’s commitment to protecting its customers. The campaign was supported with television commercials featuring fans as well as renowned FMF goalie, Memo Ochoa, in addition to online and social media components, such as a dedicated Web page at www.proteccioneslajugada.com.

In addition to the renewal of the FMF sponsorship, Allstate will receive category exclusivity for the next four years as the Official Insurance Sponsor of Major League Soccer and the league’s marquee assets, the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, and MLS Cup.

“We look forward to expanding upon our successful partnership with Allstate, a company that believes in the future of soccer in North America,” said Kathy Carter, president of Soccer United Marketing. “By expanding its relationship to include Major League Soccer and the U.S. National Teams, Allstate will be able to connect with the millions of passionate soccer fans who eat, sleep and breathe the Beautiful Game.”

One of Allstate’s promotional plans includes support of aspiring Hispanic athletes with opportunities to realize their dreams of becoming professional soccer players through Sueño MLS, a free tryout program in search of the best undiscovered Hispanic soccer talent. In 2010, more than 2,000 individuals from 39 states and 36 countries participated.

Allstate will also support grassroots programs such as Socio MLS and MLS Futbolito. Both programs provide Hispanics and their families with sport-specific benefits and once-in-a-lifetime experiences through meaningful connections with MLS.

In lending its support to the U.S. Soccer, Allstate will be the Official Insurance Sponsor of the Men’s National Team, the Women’s National Team, the Men’s Olympic Team and 11 Youth National Teams. Allstate supports the U.S. Women’s National Team, the world’s No. 1-ranked, as it competes in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

About Soccer United Marketing
Founded in 2002, Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is the preeminent soccer business company in North America. SUM holds the exclusive rights to the most important soccer properties in the region, including: all commercial rights to Major League Soccer; the United States Soccer Federation; promotional and marketing rights to Mexican National Team games played in the United States; and the marketing and promotion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup™. Since 2008 SUM oversees a long-term partnership with La Liga’s historic club FC Barcelona, which includes tours of the legendary Spanish club. SUM also manages promotional and marketing rights in the United States for Mexico’s most popular sports team, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

In addition, SUM created SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship, international soccer tournaments featuring top clubs from MLS, Mexico and Asia. Since early 2009, SUM established MLS Digital Properties, formerly known as the SUM Digital Network, the only soccer advertising network of its kind, covering all facets of the sport in the U.S., which allows advertisers to reach millions of soccer fans via online advertising and sponsorship campaigns. These global properties are represented by SUM’s slogan: One Sport. One Company. ™ For more information, please visit www.SUMworld.com.

Presentado por Visa, “El Tri” enfrentará a su similar de Bosnia-Herzegovina el miércoles, 9 de febrero de 2011, a las 8:00 p.m. hora del Este, en el Georgia Dome de Atlanta.
El rival de la Selección Mexicana, Bosnia-Herzegovina -con su capitán Emir Spahić (Montpellier de Francia)-, se encuentra en plena eliminatoria rumbo al EURO 2012 de la UEFA, y enfrentara a Rumania el 26 de marzo, dentro del Grupo D, que incluye a Francia y Bielorrusia.

La preventa Visa iniciará el día de hoy, jueves, 23 de diciembre hasta el lunes, 3 de enero (10 a.m. hora del Este). La venta por adelantado estará disponible por www.Ticketmaster.com o llamando al 1-800-745-3000. La venta al público general empezará el lunes, 3 de enero a partir de las 10 a.m. hora del Este. La Federación Mexicana de Fútbol invita a los aficionados a comprar sus boletos por adelantado usando sus tarjetas Visa. Información adicional de los boletos será distribuida en las próximas semanas.

“Que mejor forma de arrancar un nuevo ciclo mundialista de la Selección Mexicana bajo Dirección de José Manuel de la Torre frente a la gran afición en Atlanta,” aseguró el secretario general de la FMF, Decio de Maria y agregó:

“Estoy seguro que la afición disfrutará de este importante encuentro, pues significa el inicio de nuestra preparación para las justas deportivas del 2011, como es Copa América, Copa Oro y el inicio de las eliminatorias mundialistas, de cara al mundial de Brasil, 2014.”

El partido de febrero marcará la segunda visita de México a Atlanta (en el 2009, más de 50,000 aficionados le dieron la bienvenida al Tri) y la tercera visita a la región sudeste (la visita al Bank of America Stadium en Charlotte fue frente a 63,000 aficionados). En ambos eventos, los partidos tuvieron una gran respuesta del público. En las últimas ocho giras, de la Selección Mexicana, se ha tenido un promedio de 45,000 aficionados por partido en casi 40 encuentros dentro de los Estados Unidos.

Ahora en su noveno año consecutivo, la gira es parte de una asociación a largo plazo entre SUM y FMF que fue firmado el verano pasado. SUM organizará nuevamente un total de cinco partidos, los cuales contarán con trece grandes patrocinadores. Más detalles sobre la gira del 2011, serán anunciadas próximamente.

Los patrocinadores de la Selección Mexicana durante en gira estadounidense 2011 son adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Cacique, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Degree Men, Makita, NAPA Auto Parts, The Home Depot, Visa y Wrigley’s Extra® gum. Juntos, los patrocinadores de la gira harán los días de los partidos de la Selección Nacional de México todo un evento, presentando la famosa celebración Fútbol Fiesta, una zona interactiva que consiste de 120,000 pies cuadrados en cada partido que incluye música en vivo, juegos, celebridades y elementos promocionales.

Acerca de Soccer United Marketing
Fundada en el 2002, Soccer United Marketing (SUM) es la compañía de mercadeo de fútbol preeminente en Norteamérica. SUM cuenta con los derechos exclusivos de las propiedades de fútbol más importante en este país, incluyendo los derechos comerciales de la Major League Soccer (MLS), la Federación de Soccer de los Estados Unidos (U.S. Soccer). Así mismo SUM es promotor exclusivo y representante de mercadeo de la Selección Nacional de México en su gira por territorio estadounidense, además de manejar el mercadeo y promoción de la Copa Oro™ de la CONCACAF. Desde 2008, SUM entro en un acuerdo de largo plazo con el histórico FC Barcelona, que incluye giras del club español. SUM también maneja los derechos de promoción y marketing en los Estados Unidos del equipo más popular en México, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

Adicionalmente, SUM creó SuperLiga y el Pan-Pacific Championship, torneos de futbol de nivel internacional que incluye clubes de la MLS, Mexico y Asia. A principios de 2009, SUM establecio MLS Digital Properties, anteriormente conocido como SUM Digital Network, la única red de publicidad de su tipo, que cubre todas las facetas del deporte en los Estados Unidos, y permite a los anunciantes alcanzar a millones de aficionado del futbol a través de campañas de publicidad y patrocinio.Todas estas propiedades son representadas bajo el lema de SUM: Un Solo Deporte. Una Sola Compañía. Para mayor información visite la página web www.SUMworld.com

Presented by Visa, “El Tri” will host the national team of Bosnia- Herzegovina on Wednesday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.

The February match will mark the second ever visit by the squad to Atlanta (in 2009 51,115 fans welcomed Mexico) and third to the Southeast region (2010 visit to Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium in front of 63,000 fans). In both instances, the games enjoyed a regional appeal, attracting fans from more than three dozen different states and several foreign countries.

“What better way to start this new cycle of the Mexican national team, under the direction of Jose Manuel de la Torre in front of great fans in Atlanta,” said FMF General Secretary, Decio de Maria. “I’m sure the fans will enjoy this important event, because it means the beginning of our preparation for the 2011 sports competitions, such as Copa America, Gold Cup and the start of the World Cup qualifiers, in Brazil 2014.”

A Visa pre-sale will start today Thursday, Dec. 23 until Jan. 3 (10 a.m.). The advance sale is available at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. The general on-sale will begin on Monday, January 3 at 10 a.m. The Federación Mexicana de Fútbol encourages its fans to go online early and purchase tickets using their Visa cards.

The annual U.S. tour will mark the beginning of the Mexican National Team’s path to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil under the direction of new head coach Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre.

Bosnia- Herzegovina, which counts on team captain Emir Spahić from French club Montpellier, is participating in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying, and preparing to face Romania and Albania in Group D play. The nation will next play Romania on March 26. In addition to Spahic, other Bosnia- Herzegovina national team standouts include forward Edin Dzeko from German club Wolfsburg and midfielder Miralem Pjanic from French club Lyon.

Now in its ninth consecutive year, the tour is part of a renewed multi-year partnership between SUM and FMF signed this past summer. SUM will again organize a total of five matches, all of which will be accompanied by incomparable partner activation from 13 blue-chip corporate sponsors in and around the matches and surrounding markets. Details on the remaining tour matches will be announced soon.

The Mexican National Team’s 2011 U.S. Tour sponsors are: adidas, Allstate, AT&T, Bud Light, Cacique, Coca-Cola, Castrol, Degree Men, Makita, NAPA Auto Parts, The Home Depot, Visa and Wrigley’s Extra® gum. Together, the tour sponsors will again make the Mexican National Team’s matches a week-long celebration, culminating with the ever-popular Fútbol Fiesta, an interactive zone that spans more than 120,000 square feet at every game and includes live music, games, celebrities and promotional giveaways.

About Soccer United Marketing

Founded in 2002, Soccer United Marketing (SUM) is the preeminent soccer business company in North America. SUM holds the exclusive rights to the most important soccer properties in the region, including: all commercial rights to Major League Soccer; the United States Soccer Federation; promotional and marketing rights to Mexican National Team games played in the United States; and the marketing and promotion of the CONCACAF Gold Cup™. Since 2008 SUM oversees a long-term partnership with La Liga’s successful FC Barcelona which includes tours of the legendary Spanish club. SUM also manages promotional and marketing rights in the United States for Mexico’s most popular sports team, Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas).

In addition, SUM created SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship, international soccer tournaments featuring top clubs from MLS, Mexico and Asia. In early 2009, SUM announced the creation of the SUM Digital Network, the only soccer advertising network of its kind, covering all facets of the sport in the U.S., which allows advertisers to reach millions of soccer fans via online advertising and sponsorship campaigns. These global properties are represented by SUM’s slogan: One Sport. One Company. ™ For more information, please visit www.SUMworld.com

En un esfuerzo de la CONCACAF para atraer a la mayoría de aficionados en el país, y después de ser testigo de la expansión de la Copa Oro en el torneo de 2009, la Copa Oro 2011 viajará a nuevas ciudades (Detroit, Tampa, Charlotte, y Kansas City) y regresará a sedes conocidas.

“Estamos muy contentos con nuestras ciudades y sedes”, dijo el secretario general de la CONCACAF Chuck Blazer. “Cada sede aportará su propio sabor al evento y hará que esta edición sea la mejor Copa Oro hasta la fecha”.

Este será la sexta final en el Sur de California, y la segunda vez que el Rose Bowl es sede del torneo. La primera final de la Copa Oro fue disputada en Los Ángeles en 1991 en el Coliseo de Los Ángeles, donde la selección de Estados Unidos derroto a Honduras en tiros penales.

Jamaica, Cuba, Granada y Guadalupe recientemente clasificaron a la Copa Oro del Caribe mientras que los participantes centroamericanos serán decididos desde el 14 al 23 de enero, 2011, en la Copa Centroamericana, que será disputada en Panamá. Canadá, México y los Estados Unidos están automáticamente clasificados al evento.

El campeón de la edición de 2011 representará a la CONCACAF en la Copa Confederaciones de 2013 que será en Brasil, como preludio de la Copa Mundial 2014. Los ganadores de la Copa Oro han disfrutado de presentaciones espectaculares en la Copa Confederaciones, que incluye el campeonato de Mexico en 1999 y más recientemente, el memorable segundo lugar de los Estados Unidos en el 2009.

CONCACAF anunciará los resultados del sorteo de los grupos para la Copa Oro 2011, el calendario, así como información sobre boletos a principios de febrero.

CALENDARIO
Primera Ronda
5 de junio– Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
6 de junio – The Home Depot Center (Carson, CA)
7 de junio – Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
9 de junio – Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
10 de junio – FIU Stadium (Miami, FL)
11 de junio – Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
12 de junio – Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
13 de junio – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
14 de junio – KC Soccer Stadium (Kansas City, KS)

Cuartos de final
18 de junio – New Meadowlands Stadium (E. Rutherford, NJ)
19 de junio – Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington DC)

Semifinales
22 de junio – Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)

Final
25 de junio – Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)

Para información más detallada sobre las sedes y los equipos, favor de visitar www.CONCACAF.com

As part of CONCACAF’s efforts to bring the Gold Cup to as many fans as possible across the United States, and after the success of the 2009 event, the 2011 Gold Cup will again travel to new cities (Detroit, Tampa, Kansas City and Charlotte, North Carolina) while also returning to traditional markets.

“We are very excited about our cities and venues,” CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer said. “Each will add a distinct flavor to the event and will help make this the best Gold Cup to date.”

This will be the sixth time the final is held in Southern California, and the second time at the Rose Bowl. The first Gold Cup final was played in Los Angeles in 1991 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, where the United States defeated Honduras on penalty kicks.

Jamaica, Cuba, Grenada and Guadeloupe recently qualified to the Gold Cup from the Caribbean, while the five Central American participants will be decided January 14-23, 2011, at the Copa Centroamericana in Panama. Canada, Mexico and the United States are qualified automatically for the event.

The champion of the 2011 edition will represent CONCACAF at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Brazil as a prelude to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Gold Cup winners have enjoyed sterling performances at the Confederations Cup, including a championship by Mexico in 1999 and more recently the United States’ memorable second-place finish in 2009.

CONCACAF will announce the Gold Cup 2011 Group Stage groups, the full schedule, as well as ticket information in early February.

SCHEDULE
First Round
June 5 – Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
June 6 – The Home Depot Center (Carson, CA)
June 7 – Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
June 9 – Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
June 10 – FIU Stadium (Miami, FL)
June 11 – Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
June 12 – Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
June 13 – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
June 14 – KC Soccer Stadium (Kansas City, KS)

Quarterfinals
June 18 – New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
June 19 – Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington DC)

Semifinals
June 22 – Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX)
Final
June 25 – Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)

For more information about Gold Cup venues and teams, please visit www.CONCACAF.com.