New England Soccer Today

Copa America Centenario Coming to Gillette Stadium

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Gillette Stadium will be one of 10 U.S. venues that will host next year’s Copa America Centenario after the sites were announced by CONCACAF on Thursday.

The 2016 tournament, which runs from Jun. 3-26, 2016, will mark the first time that the South American championship will be held in the U.S. The tournament will feature six teams from CONCACAF, including the U.S., and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL. Additionally, each venue will host at least three matches.

“The 10 host cities of Copa America Centenario 2016 will provide the perfect stage to unite the American continent in a unique celebration of the football history and talent in the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL regions,” said Alfredo Hawit, President of CONCACAF, said in a press release. “We are certain that the host country and the U.S. Soccer Federation, in their roles, will not only display the growing passion for the sport, but also contribute to expanding the legacy and magnitude of this tournament by providing a memorable experience for the whole footballing community.”

In addition to Foxborough, the following cities will host the 2016 tournament: Chicago (Soldier Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Los Angeles (Rose Bowl), New York (MetLife Stadium), Orlando (Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Phoenix (University of Phoenix Stadium), San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium) and Seattle (CenturyLink Field).

Similar to the FIFA World Cup, each venue will host matches on multiple days throughout the tournament. A temporary grass surface will likely be installed at Gillette Stadium for its matches, the dates of which have not yet been announced.

Earlier this year, the Revolution’s home grounds served as a host for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament, the first time it was held in Foxborough since 2009.

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