TUCSON, ARIZONA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK (Friday, September 26, 2014) — FC Tucson and Major League Soccer have announced the six teams slated to take part in the 2015 FC Tucson MLS preseason tournament, better known as the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup. The Colorado Rapids, Montreal Impact, New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City round out the group which will take the field from Wednesday, February 18 through Saturday, February 28. All matches will be hosted at the brand new North Kino Sports Complex and promoted through partnerships with Pima County and VisitTucson.
Now in its fourth year, the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup has become a highly anticipated event for soccer fans throughout the region and a popular travel destination for MLS supporters nationwide. Soccer fans will have the opportunity to see stars from the U.S. Men’s National Team coming off a memorable run at this year’s World Cup in Brazil, including Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), and Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).
Attendees will also experience an exciting twist on the game atmosphere. To create a concert-like festival atmosphere, FC Tucson will host games consecutively at the Kino North Stadium and North Grandstand starting at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. MT. Then, a third Showcase match, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. back at the Kino North Stadium.
“We are always seeking to improve the experience for our local and out of town guests and ensure a great atmosphere the MLS teams” said FC Tucson ownership in a joint statement. “The idea of an open festival where attendees can move between games and participate in a wide variety of other experiences makes this year’s MLS preseason even more unique and memorable for soccer fans.”
2015 FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup Tournament Schedule (All kickoffs in Mountain Time)
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Game #1, 5:30 p.m.: Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City, Kino North Stadium
Game #2, 6:00 p.m.: Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution, Kino North Grand Stand
Game #3, 8:00 p.m.: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Montreal Impact, Kino North Stadium
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Game #4, 5:30 p.m.: Colorado Rapids vs. New England Revolution, Kino North Stadium
Game #5, 6:00 p.m.: Real Salt Lake vs. Montreal Impact, Kino North Grand Stand
Game #6, 8:00 p.m.: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, Kino North Stadium
Wednesday, February 25, 2015*
Game #7, 5:30 p.m.: Colorado Rapids vs. Montreal Impact, Kino North Stadium
Game #8, 6:00 p.m.: Seattle Sounders FC vs. New England Revolution, Kino North Grand Stand
Game #9, 8:00 p.m.: Real Salt Lake v. Sporting Kansas City, Kino North Stadium
Schedule subject to CONCACAF Champions League Calendar
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Game #10, Time TBD: 5th Place v. 6th Place, Kino North Stadium
Game #11, Time TBD: 3rd Place v. 4th place, Kino North Grand Stand
Game #12, Time TBD: 1st Place v. 2nd Place, Kino North Stadium
*Schedule subject to CONCACAF Champions League Calendar
All Game Times and Match-ups subject to change
