December 15 – The International Champions Cup (ICC) – the growing pre-season tournament that sees many of Europe’s elite clubs compete in a semi-formal club competition around the world in showcase matches – has signed tourism marketing body Visit Orlando in a multi-year partnership.
Visit Orlando will be the exclusive ‘US Tourism Partner’ for the International Champions Cup and the city will host at least one match in each of the 2017 and 2018 competitions. No figure was announced for the deal.
Last Summer the tournament was split into three competitions in the US (with some games in Europe), Australia and China. Teams competing included Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool, playing in iconic venues such as the Rose Bowl, Yankee Stadium and Wembley Stadium. In total 35 cities in 11 countries across four continents participated.
Spectator support for the competition hit more than 800,000 tickets sold, while there was estimated global television audience of 70 million – ESPN was the US broadcaster.
Details for the 2017 competition have yet to be announced but organisers say dates, teams and venues will be announced in the Spring as clubs start to finalise their pre-season preparations for 2017/18.
Orlando is the most-visited tourist destination in the US and has a growing appetite for football with an MLS franchise having recently launched in the city, The matches in Orlando will take place at Camping World Stadium.
Charlie Stillitano, Chairman of Relevent Sports, said: “Adding another elite partner to our growing roster demonstrates how far the ICC has come in just four short years and that cities understand the global awareness and impact hosting an ICC game offers. Orlando is the top tourist destination in the United States, and the ICC is the premium football competition in the country, so we are preparing for a world-class match with an incredible atmosphere.”
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