LANDOVER, Md. – With more than 80,000 fans expected to attend, the Washington Washington Football Team and the World Football Challenge are encouraging fans to arrive early to FedExField for Saturday’s match between European powers Manchester United and FC Barcelona.
Fans arriving early will have access to food, beverage and merchandise concessions and interactive games on the plaza level in addition to entertainment from bands and DJs. The first 65,000 fans who enter the stadium will receive a free Manchester United limited edition U.S. Tour lanyard.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET, with lots scheduled to open at 3 p.m. and gates set to open at 5 p.m.
As part of the 2011 World Football Classic, the match pits Manchester United, the most successful club in modern English soccer, against FC Barcelona, the most successful club in Spanish soccer history. It will be the first appearance for both at FedExField and will mark the second time in three years the stadium has hosted an international match. In 2009, a crowd of 72,368 watched D.C. United take on Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid C.F.
Managed by legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s world-class roster includes star English striker Wayne Rooney, legendary Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs and 22-year-old Mexican sensation Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. FC Barcelona features captain Carles Puyol, as well as 2010 World Football Player of the Year (FIFA Ballon d’Or) finalists Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, both midfielders for World Cup Champion Spain.
Source: Metro Networks Inc.
