D.C. United to host Real Madrid at FedEx Field in August

D.C. United has finally confirmed their long-rumored plans to host host an international friendly with legendary Spanish club Real Madrid. The match, to be held at FedEx Field, will take place on Sunday, August 9 at 3 p.m. ET. As a result, the previously scheduled Major League Soccer match against the Kansas City Wizards will be moved to September 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“This is an exciting opportunity for D.C. United and our fans,” said United President Kevin Payne.  “We played a terrific match with Real Madrid in Seattle two years ago, and the largest soccer crowd in Qwest Field history watched us come from behind in a 1-1 draw.  We are expecting a huge crowd at FedExField to see the most successful club in the history of world soccer take on the most successful team in the history of American soccer.  It should be a great match.”

Real Madrid currently boasts a roster laden with world-class talent, including the club’s all-time leading scorer and team captain Raul Gonzalez, Spanish National Team goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defender Sergio Ramos and Argentine National Team member Fernando Gago.  In addition, any new summer player signings by the club will participate in the game.

United planholders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this friendly before the general public sale at a reduced price.  Emails with details went out to plan holders on Thursday, including special redemtion codes.
       
United has played Real Madrid on one prior occasion - a friendly held at Seattle’s Qwest Field on August 9, 2006. Before a raucous crowd of 66,830 fans, United held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw, with the lone goal for the Black-and-Red coming from former striker Alecko Eskandarian. Current United players Christian Gomez, Jaime Moreno, Bryan Namoff and Ben Olsen were among the starters that day.

Based in Madrid, Spain, Real Madrid is one of the largest and most successful soccer teams in the world. Possessing more than one hundred years of rich history, they bring their storied tradition to Washington, D.C. for the very first time. Their numerous trophies include a record 31 La Liga titles (finishing in second place 17 times), 17 Spanish Cups, nine European Cups and two UEFA Cups. The club, founded in 1902, has played in the highest level of Spanish competition-the Primera Division of the Liga de Futbol Profesional-since its inception. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which boasts a capacity just north of 80,000, in downtown Madrid, the illustrious club was named by FIFA as the Best Club of the 20th century.

Ticket Timeline
May 28 - Planholders may purchase tickets
June 8 - General public may purchase multi-game package or two-game group package
June 17 - General public may purchase single game tickets