July 15 – Major League Soccer and Liga MX will host the final of the inaugural Leagues Cup, the new continental club competition featuring eight teams from North America’s two biggest leagues, in Las Vegas.
The final will be played on September 18 at the city’s Sam Boyd Stadium. The 36,800-seat venue is the home of the UNLV American football team and has hosted Rugby World 7s events. It has been keen in the past to host soccer games.
“An intense rivalry is developing between Major League Soccer and Liga MX clubs, and Leagues Cup will provide thrilling competition while further elevating the profile of the game in North America,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
“We have no doubt that the support for the historic, first-ever Leagues Cup final from the passionate soccer fans of Las Vegas and surrounding region will be tremendous, and the atmosphere at Sam Boyd Stadium will be electric.”
“Soccer is the world’s sport and Las Vegas is the world’s city,” said the mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn G. Goodman. “It is a perfect fit for the exciting Leagues Cup final to be played in Las Vegas. Our city loves soccer, and we hope to continue our relationship with the Leagues Cup and Major League Soccer in the years to come.”
Staging this club final will also be a calling card for Las Vegas as they seek to bring an MLS franchise to the city. Proposals for an MLS team include construction of a soccer-specific stadium, and plans to turn the USL’s Las Vegas Lights into an expansion team.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714332691labto1714332691ofdlr1714332691owedi1714332691sni@o1714332691fni1714332691