This year, soccer season will start off with a flurry in Tampa Bay.
The Rowdies announced Thursday that it would host six teams in the Suncoast Invitational, a preseason tournament that has been likened to spring training for soccer.
In a news conference attended by St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, and Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice, Rowdies owner Bill Edwards announced the tournament featuring the Philadelphia Union, D.C. United of Washington, the New York City FC, the New York Red Bulls, the Montreal Impact, and Toronto FC. All the teams besides the Rowdies are MLS teams.
The Rowdies will play the Union on Feb. 20 and the Impact on Feb. 27.
Tickets are complimentary for Rowdies season ticket holders. They begin at $15 for an adult and $10 for a child.
“There are some of the biggest soccer stars in North America,” Edwards said. “There are 61 players who have played for their senior national teams representing 20 countries a total of 1,364 times. The Rowdies will play against some of the world’s best players.”
The Rowdies have a preseason match on Feb. 13 against D.C. United.
