In The News

The Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced today that the 2016 Copa America Centenario Draw will take place on Sunday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET, at the famed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The Draw will be televised live on Univision in the United States.

The Copa America Centenario, a once-in-a-lifetime soccer summer event, which honors 100 years of the Copa America tournament, will feature some of the world’s best teams and players competing from June 3-26, 2016, across the United States. The tournament will feature the top star players from both regions, including Lionel Messi, Neymar, David Luiz, James Rodriguez, Kaka, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and many more. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, in the metropolitan New York City area, on June 26.

In true celebration of the fans, the Copa America Centenario will welcome fans to attend and be part of the festivities at the official draw. Details on how to be selected to experience the draw live will be shared at a later date. Until then, fans are encouraged to register at www.CA2016.com to ensure they receive the latest information and updates.

The gala event will feature former stars of the world’s game from around the hemisphere. At the Draw, the four groups – headed by host United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico – will be filled out by the remaining 12 participating nations providing the full schedule of match-ups. The seeding determination for the Draw is based on the December 2015 FIFA World Rankings. Details of groups and procedures for the draw will be announced in the days leading up to the event. 

• Copa America Centenario tournament schedule
• Sign up to receive Copa America Centenario ticketing information
• Fans are invited to visit the tournament website at www.CA2016.com
• Follow the tournament news at the event’s official Twitter account and Facebook page

The media accreditation process for the Copa America Centenario Draw is now open to all media. All non-rights media members can apply by filling out the application at this link in its entirety. Applications will be considered until Friday, February 12, 2016. Early applications are encouraged, due to expected high demand for the event.

The 2016 Copa America Centenario is the historic centennial edition of Copa America – the South American championship – and will be staged outside of South America for the first time. The historic tournament features six teams from CONCACAF and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL.

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have partnered for the historic 2016 Copa America Centenario, setting a new standard for inter-confederation cooperation in the Americas and worldwide. The Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee, formed by tournament host U.S. Soccer, is a separate entity responsible for certain logistical and organizational details of the competition.

CHICAGO (Dec. 17, 2015) – Group seeds and game dates for the historic 2016 Copa America Centenario have been announced, per tournament organizers. The once-in-a-lifetime soccer summer event, which honors 100 years of the Copa America tournament, will feature some of the world’s best teams and players competing from June 3-26, 2016, in the United States.

As the host nation, the United States earns the Group A seed, while Argentina, as the highest FIFA-ranked nation in the Americas (per December FIFA rankings), will be seeded top of Group D.

In celebration of the rich soccer tradition in the hemisphere and as the most decorated nations in the last 100 years in international competitions from their respective confederations, the national teams of Brazil and Mexico have also been awarded group seeds, and will head Groups B and C, respectively.

The remaining 12 participating nations will be sorted into the four groups in early 2016 based on a public draw. Details of groups and procedures for the draw will be announced leading up to that event.

In announcing the seeded teams, organizers also revealed the dates of matches, including the cities each seeded nation will visit, as well as the dates they will play during the group phase of the tournament.

“On behalf of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, we are excited to host the world’s best teams in Houston during the 2016 COPA Americas”, said Janis Burke, CEO of Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. We have formed valuable relationships our local Consulates and plan on working closely with them to make sure this event boasts an incredible international feel at NRG Stadium.”

• Copa America Centenario tournament schedule
• Quote Sheet on Copa America Centenario announcement

Recently, the LOC announced the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas that have been selected to host matches during the Copa America Centenario, with MetLife Stadium announced as the host of the Copa America Centenario Final on Sunday, June 26 in the New York metropolitan area. Similar to the FIFA World Cup, each venue will host matches on multiple days through the tournament. Most venues will host at least three games.

The United States will be visiting Santa Clara, Calif. (June 3) to kick-off the tournament, before visiting Chicago (June 7) and Philadelphia (June 11). Argentina will head to Santa Clara (June 6), Chicago (June 10) and Seattle (June 14). Brazil will travel to Pasadena (June 4), Orlando (June 8) and Foxborough (June 12), and Mexico will play its group matches in Phoenix (June 5), Pasadena (June 9) and Houston (June 13).

Seattle, New York/New Jersey, Foxborough and Santa Clara will all host quarterfinal matches, while Houston and Chicago will be site of the two tournament semifinals.

To be among the first to access tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event, fans can visit CA2016.com. Due to the expected high demand for this premium soccer tournament, fans are urged to register early to guarantee access to information as it becomes available. More ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks.

• Sign up to receive Copa America Centenario ticketing information
• Fans are invited to visit the newly launched tournament website at CA2016.com
• Follow the tournament news at the event’s official Twitter account  and Facebook page

The 2016 Copa America Centenario is the historic centennial edition of Copa America – the South American championship – and will be staged outside of South America for the first time. The tournament will feature six teams from CONCACAF and all 10 teams from CONMEBOL.

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have partnered for the historic 2016 Copa America Centenario, setting a new standard for inter-confederation cooperation in the Americas and worldwide. The Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee, formed by tournament host U.S. Soccer, is a separate entity responsible for certain logistical and organizational details of the competition.

HOUSTON (November 19, 2015) – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee (LOC) announced today that Houston’s NRG Stadium will be one of 10 U.S. venues which have been selected to host matches during the historic Copa America Centenario to be played from June 3-26, 2016 in the United States.

“Copa America Centenario will be the largest and most prestigious soccer tournament to be held in the United States since World Cup USA in 1994,” said Jamey Rootes, president of the Houston Texans and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. “We are proud that Houston and NRG Stadium were selected to be part of this historic event. It is a tribute to our world class city, fans and venue.  We look forward to welcoming the soccer world to our community next June.”

“On behalf of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority we are excited to work with Lone Star Sports and Entertainment to host these high profile international soccer matches at NRG Stadium”, said Janis Burke, CEO of Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. We are a community that loves soccer and are thrilled to work with the U.S. Soccer Federation to make this event a huge success for all involved.”

The host metropolitan areas and respective stadiums are: Boston (Gillette Stadium), 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 through the tournament. Most venues will host at least three games.

To be among the first to access tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event, fans can visit www.CA2016.com. Due to the expected high demand for this premium soccer tournament, fans are urged to register early to guarantee access to information as it becomes available. More ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks.

• Sign up to receive Copa America Centenario ticketing information

Chosen from among 24 candidates that originally submitted bids earlier this year, the stadiums passed rigorous standards – including minimum seating capacity of 60,000 and other world-class infrastructure requirements – in order to host matches of this high-profile tournament which is sure to draw multitudes of fans to venues across the country.

The 2016 Copa America Centenario is the historic centennial edition of Copa America – the South American championship – and will be staged outside of South America for the first time. The tournament will feature six teams from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and all 10 teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

“The ten 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. “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.”

“Football is the most marvelous sport in the world. For us, it’s truly a source of pride to be able to bring to the United States this unparalleled event – the Copa America Centenario, the oldest national team tournament in the world,” said CONMEBOL President Juan Angel Napout. “This long-time, carefully planned dream would not have been possible without the fantastic efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. It’s the first time in the history of the event, since 1916, that the mythical Copa America will be played outside South America, with 16 teams from throughout the Americas and the Caribbean. Without a doubt, this event will provide the luxury of stars on display whose talents shine in the most competitive leagues in the world. The party in the United States is a certainty.”

“These 10 cities and venues will provide a fantastic setting for fans across the world to attend Copa America Centenario and allow them to see the amazing passion for soccer in the United States,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “The participating teams and fans will be treated to a first-class environment in each city and stadium, adding to the world-class talent that will be competing on the field. We are looking forward to working closely with all of the cities and venues in hosting this prestigious event and creating an extraordinary experience for fans.”

From CONCACAF, host United States and Mexico are automatic qualifiers, while Costa Rica (2014 Central American Cup winner) and Jamaica (2014 CFU Caribbean Cup winner) qualified with regional championships last year.

The final two teams from CONCACAF will be determined in a double-header playoff set to be disputed Jan. 8, 2016, in Panama City. Trinidad & Tobago will face Haiti, and Panama squares off against Cuba with the winners qualifying for the Copa America Centenario.

The South American field for the tournament features Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Uruguay has been crowned champion of the Copa America a record 15 times, while Chile won its first title at this past year’s edition, which it hosted.

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have partnered for the historic 2016 Copa America tournament, setting a new standard for inter-confederation cooperation in the Americas and worldwide. The Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee, formed by tournament host U.S. Soccer, is a separate entity responsible for certain logistical and organizational details of the competition.

The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff will mark the first match-up in the schools’ histories, continuing the tradition of championship caliber opponents facing off at NRG Stadium. This will be Texas A&M’s third time appearing in an opening weekend event (1988 and 1998), and the contest will mark Arizona State’s first time playing in such a game.

The 2015 AdvoCare Texas Kickoff is one of four neutral-site kickoff games in the country. The 2014 installment of the game featured LSU and Wisconsin in front of a record crowd of 71,599 at NRG Stadium.

Close to 60,000 tickets have already been sold for the 2015 matchup, remaining seats range from $65-$260 and may be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 832-667-2390. A limited number of luxury suites are still available, to purchase call 832-667-2160. Tickets are also available at the NRG Stadium box office. For more information, please visit www.AdvoCareTexasKickoff.com.

ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a subsidiary of ESPN, owns and operates a large portfolio of collegiate sporting events worldwide. The roster includes three Labor Day weekend college football games; 13 college bowl games, nine college basketball events and two college award shows, which accounts for approximately 250-plus hours of programming, reaches almost 64 million viewers and attracts over 700,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in Boca Raton, Boise, Birmingham, Dallas-Fort Worth, Albuquerque, St. Petersburg and Las Vegas, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

ESPN Events also manages the Big 12 Corporate Partner Program.

Collegiate Football

AdvoCare Texas Kickoff (Houston); AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl (Houston); Birmingham Bowl (Alabama); Boca Raton Bowl (Florida); Celebration Bowl (Atlanta); Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise); Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque); Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu); Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth); MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney (Orlando, Fla.); Orlando Kickoff (Florida); Popeyes Bahamas Bowl (Nassau); Raycom Media Camellia Bowl (Montgomery, Ala.); Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl (Nevada); St. Petersburg Bowl (Florida); The Home Depot College Football Awards (Atlanta) and Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Collegiate Basketball

Armed Forces Classic (Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan); DIRECTV Wooden Legacy (Orange County, Calif.); College Basketball Awards Presented by Wendy’s (Los Angeles); Gildan Charleston Classic (South Carolina); Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu); Jimmy V Men’s Classic Presented by Corona (New York City); Jimmy V Women’s Classic Presented by Corona (Hartford/Storrs, Conn.); Orlando Classic (Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.); Puerto Rico Tip-Off (San Juan) and State Farm Champions Classic (Chicago)

For more information, visit www.espnevents.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook.

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003.  Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. The sold out AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl and the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff provide an annual economic impact to the city of Houston of $100 million. LSSE has also emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. Additionally, LSSE has reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted a pair of major concerts featuring country superstars George Strait and Kenny Chesney.

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Media Contacts: Rachel Margolis Siegal, ESPN PR – 860-766-2798; Rachel.m.siegal@espn.com

Amy Palcic, LSSE – 832-667-2220; amy.palcic@houstontexans.com

The Mexican National Team, along with Costa Rica and Honduras, today announced their 35-man provisional rosters ahead of the upcoming 2015 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour matches in Orlando and Houston. El Tricolor will face CONCACAF’s top-ranked team Costa Rica at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Saturday, June 27 (6:00 p.m. ET). Three days later, Mexico will travel to Houston’s NRG Stadium to battle rivals Honduras on Wednesday, July 1 (9:30 p.m. ET).

All three squads will narrow their rosters to 23-players later this month as they prepare for this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, which starts on July 7.

The stellar list of Mexican players includes 2014 World Cup standout goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa of La Liga’s Málaga CF, and popular forward Giovani Dos Santos of Villarreal CF, as well as Manchester United’s striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

Looking to win their first Gold Cup title after a remarkable World Cup run in Brazil, Costa Rica’s roster features stars such as goalkeeper Keylor Navas (Real Madrid/ESP), defender Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls/USA), midfielders Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruña/ESP) and Bryan Ruiz (Fulham/ENG), as well as forward Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake/USA).

The Honduran roster boasts stars such as goalkeeper Noel Valladares (Olimpia), defender Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), midfielders Boniek García (Houston Dynamo/USA) and Roger Espinoza (Sporting Kansas City/USA).

Tickets for both matches are available via Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM 35-MAN PRELIMINARY ROSTER:

Goalkeepers: Luis Michel (Chivas de Guadalajara/Mexico); Moises Muñoz (Club America/Mexico); Guillermo Ochoa (Malaga/Spain); Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey/Mexico) Defenders: Paul Aguilar (Club America/Mexico); Oswaldo Alanis (Santos/Mexico); Yasser Corona (Queretaro/Mexico); Miguel Herrera (Pachuca/Mexico); Miguel Layun (Watford/England); Hiram Mier (Monterrey/Mexico); Hector Moreno (Espanyol/Spain); Fernando Navarro (Leon/Mexico); Diego Reyes (Porto/Portugal); Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Cruz Azul/Mexico) Midfielders: Nestor Calderon (Santos/Mexico); Jonathan Dos Santos (Villarreal/Spain); Jesús Dueñas (Tigres/Mexico); Andres Guardado (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands); Erick Gutierrez (Pachuca/Mexico); Hector Herrera (Porto/Portugal); Hirving Lozano (Pachuca/Mexico); Jesus Molina (Santos/Mexico); Orbelin Pineda (Queretaro/Mexico); Miguel Ponce (Chivas de Guadalajara/MEX); Antonio Rios (Toluca/Mexico); Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres/Mexico); Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon/Mexico)

Forwards: Jesus Corona (FC Twente/Netherlands); Aldo De Nigris (Chivas de Guadalajara/Mexico); Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal/Spain); Carlos Esquivel (Toluca/Mexico); Javier Hernandez (Real Madrid/Spain); Javier Orozco (Santos/Mexico); Oribe Peralta (Club America/Mexico); Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad/Spain)

COSTA RICAN NATIONAL TEAM 35-MAN PRELIMINARY ROSTER:

Goalkeepers: Esteban Alvarado (unattached); Dany Carvajal (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Keylor Navas (Real Madrid/Spain); Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense/Costa Rica)

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense/Costa Rica); Keyner Brown (Herediano/Costa Rica); Francisco Calvo (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Junior Diaz (FSV Mainz 05/Germany); Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew, USA); Christian Gamboa (West Bromwich Albion/England); Giancarlo Gonzalez (Palermo/Italy); Lemark Hernandez (Herediano/Costa Rica); Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls/USA); Dave Myrie (Herediano/Costa Rica); Jordan Smith (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Michael Umaña (Persepolis FC/Iran); Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada) Midfielders: Elias Aguilar (Herediano/Costa Rica); Marvin Angulo (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruña/Spain); Joel Campbell (Arsenal FC/England); Jose Miguel Cubero (Blackpool FC/England); David Guzman (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Ronald Matarrita (Alajuelense/Costa Rica); Nestor Monge (Saprissa/Costa Rica); David Ramirez (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Bryan Ruiz (Fulham FC/England); John Jairo Ruiz (KV Oostende/Belgium); Luis Miguel Valle (Alajuelense/Costa Rica); Deyver Vega (Saprissa/Costa Rica); Johan Venegas (Alajuelense/Costa Rica)

Forwards: Jonathan McDonald (Alajuelense/Costa Rica); Jonathan Moya (Saprissa/Costa Rica), Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake/USA); Marco Ureña (Midtjylland FC/Denmark)

HONDURAN NATIONAL TEAM 35-MAN PRELIMINARY ROSTER:

Goalkeepers: Donis Escober (Olimpia/Honduras); Luis Lopez (Real España/Honduras); Noel Valladares (Olimpia/Honduras); Orlin Vallecillo (Victoria/Honduras)

Defenders: Ever Alvarado (Olimpia/Honduras); Jose Barralaga (Real Sociedad/Honduras); Brayan Beckeles (Boavista/Portugal); Wilmer Crisanto (Motagua/Honduras); Henry Figueroa (Motagua/Honduras); Bryan Garcia (Vida/Honduras); Johnny Leveron (Marathon/Honduras); Cesar Oseguera (Motagua/Honduras); Carlos Palacios (Marathon/Honduras); Johnny Palacios (Olimpia/Honduras)

Midfielders: Bryan Acosta (Real España/Honduras); Jorge Claros (Qingdao Jonoon/China); Carlos Discua (Motagua/Honduras); Roger Espinoza (Sporting Kansas City/USA); Wilmer Fuentes (Marathon/Honduras); Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo/USA); Luis Garrido (Houston Dynamo/USA); Mario Martinez (Real España/Honduras); Alfredo Mejia (Panthrakikos FC/Greece); Carlos Mejia (Marathon/Honduras); Andy Najar (Anderlecht/Belgium); Arnold Peralta (Olimpia/Honduras); Romell Quioto (Olimpia/Honduras)

Forwards: Erick Andino (Victoria/Honduras); Jerry Bengtson (Belgrano/Argentina); Rubilio Castillo (Motagua/Honduras); Alberth Elis (Olimpia/Honduras); Eddie Hernandez (Motagua/Honduras); Antony Lozano (Olimpia/Honduras); Bryan Rochez (Orlando City SC/USA)

2015 Mexican National Team U.S. Tour

*Additional details about media accreditation for the Mexico vs. Argentina match at AT&T Stadium will be announced at a later date. 

 Accreditation: The accreditation deadline for media planning to cover any of the two upcoming 2015 Mexican National Team matches is approaching. The last day to apply is Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The application form is available online by clicking on the following link:

https://secure.sportssystems.com/events2/?eventKey=819ebccb-1ed5-49fa-93c2-65524efc1811

Visual Assets for Media Members

To access photos, logos, and a head-to-head record between the Mexican National Team and both opponents, please CLICK HERE.

www.SUMworld.com

Gabe Gabor, SUM Communications, Gabe.Gabor@SUMWorld.com

For all credential questions, please contact: Paola.Garcia@SUMWorld.com

Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras Announce 35-Man Provisional Rosters Ahead of Upcoming U.S. Tour Matches in Orlando and Houston 

Tickets for Mexico vs. Costa Rica and Mexico vs. Honduras available via Ticketmaster.com