Several of the most famous European soccer teams traveled to the United States this summer.
Clubs from across the pond now regularly schedule preseason friendlies Stateside to help grow their brands. The move certainly seems to be paying off.
Matches involving the big European sides typically draw huge crowds because Americans do not get to see them regularly.
This summer was, of course, no different. More than one million soccer fans flocked to stadiums across the States to watch these clubs play their summer friendlies.
Real Madrid, however, helped bring in more fans than any other top European team. Matches involving the Spanish giants recorded an average attendance of nearly 69,000 people in their trio of U.S. friendlies. During their American tour, Los Blancos faced off against AC Milan, rivals Barcelona, and Chelsea.
Highest average attendance for European friendlies in the US this summer:
RankAverage attendance1Real Madrid68,7792Barcelona65,5763Liverpool63,0094Man United55,4315AC Milan53,0096Man City52,6597Arsenal48,0918Chelsea47,9249Real Betis34,46310Celtic27,86311Wrexham23,02312Aston Villa21,22113Bournemouth13,161
Real played all three summer friendlies in huge NFL arenas
Real can draw fans practically anywhere they go. Nevertheless, they also benefited from playing their summer friendlies in massive NFL facilities.
The LaLiga side played their three preseason fixtures at Soldier Stadium (Chicago Bears), MetLife Stadium (NY Giants/Jets), and Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte Panthers).
All three arenas have a max capacity of at least 61,000 fans. However, MetLife is currently the largest stadium in the NFL. Despite weather issues, Real’s matchup with Barca in the arena drew more than 82,000 fans.
No other soccer friendly in the States recorded a higher attendance all summer.
Specific matchups are obviously important as well. Real vs. Barca, known as El Clasico, is arguably the biggest rivalry in soccer and…
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-08-10 14:28:50
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-08-10 14:32:56
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.