In what’s fast becoming an annual tradition, U.S. Soccer returns to Cleveland this summer. On Saturday, June 22, FirstEnergy Stadium will host a CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheader featuring the United States Men’s National Team and their three Group D rivals. Panama and Guyana take the field at 5:30 p.m., providing the perfect appetizer for the USMNT vs. Trinidad & Tobago 8 p.m. nightcap. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the stars and stripes on their quest for another Gold Cup title. Snap up those tickets over at Ticketmaster. The Redeem Team Okay, gotta admit: the last time these sides met, it didn’t go so well. That 2-1 loss in Trinidad bounced the USMNT out of World Cup qualifying. And, now, it’s payback time. Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie lead this new wave of American talent. Hopefully, right through Group D and all the way to the championship. Ever since taking over as manager in December, Gregg Berhalter hasn’t lost a game with the USMNT. Pretty good, huh? Flat Out Kickin’ It On Friday, June 21, kick off the weekend on the Flats East Bank with the traditional “night before” party. Just bigger and better than ever. From 5-11 p.m., link up with fans from around the world for a night full of live music, brews and soccer on the video board. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free and open to the public? The beautiful game really is all about bringing people together. Be Loud. Be Proud. Soccer fans are passionate. Cleveland can relate. We know a little something about turning out for big games and creating a raucous home-field advantage. Start game-day off right with the American Outlaws downtown tailgate to bond with fellow fans, snag some food and drink, and maybe even kick the ball around. Once you’re fueled up, join the Outlaws in their famous march to the stadium. Everyone’s invited — AO membership not required. No Ticket? No Problem Couldn’t snag a ticket? That’s no reason to stay home. Cleveland boasts plenty of soccer bars — and they’ll all be in full voice for the Gold Cup. Our top picks: Old Angle Tavern: All soccer, all the time in Ohio City. Nominated as one of the best soccer bars in America, the Angle lives up to that honor in every way. Platform Beer Co.: The Land’s newest soccer hotspot. They even brewed the custom Orangeaid sour to celebrate Cleveland Soccer Club’s inaugural season. Merry Arts Pub & Grille: The Lakewood home of the Cleveland Outlaws. Where to Stay The minute you set foot in The Land, there’s so much to do it might be hard to figure out where to start. Whether you’re making a pilgrimage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, enjoying a culinary revelation from one of our world-class dining establishments, catching a Browns Game at FirstEnergy stadium or a Broadway hit at Playhouse Square, it’s all accessible from Downtown Cleveland. Check out all of the first-class accommodations available to you in the heart of all Cleveland has to offer.
