By Evan Kravitz
That’s right soccer fans, you heard it right. The best seat to watch USA vs. England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Rustenburg, South Africa on June 12 at 2:30 p.m. EST will be in Reading, PA. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in conjunction with the Reading Phillies and GAMEFACE International, LLC will be bringing the soccer action to the big video board at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Reading Phillies.
For a $5 donation that will support Baseballtown Charities and the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Scholarship Program, you can watch the match on one of the largest video boards in Minor League Baseball. The 558 square foot screen is located in left center field and is capable of producing 68 billion colors! FirstEnergy Stadium has a seating capacity of 9,000.
The festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m. when the food court plaza gates open with concessions and music from one of Reading’s local bands. Your ticket will also allow you access to the 7 p.m. kickoff between the NPSL FC Reading Revolution Men’s team and the New Jersey Blaze at Albright College.
The idea to bring soccer fans together for this event came from Mike Moyer, Co-Owner and Director of Coaching for GAMEFACE International which hosts 20 teams under the FC Revolution banner. According to Moyer, “We approached the Reading Phillies and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer with this idea to unite soccer fans in a festive atmosphere, like the one you would experience in South Africa. Holding this event at First Energy Stadium on the big video board will replicate what happens all around the world.”
Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, echoed Moyer’s enthusiasm for the event. “This opportunity will allow soccer fans to enjoy the game together while supporting a great charity and our scholarship program,” said Branscome. “Of course, it’s alright if one or two fans cheer for England.”
“We are thrilled to be hosting this event at America’s Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium,” said Scott Hunsicker, General Manager of the Reading Phillies. “This charity event will allow thousands of soccer fans to gather together, support USA Soccer and a great cause. I can’t wait for the chants of U – S – A.”
To make your $5 donation and receive your ticket, visit readingphillies.com, call the R-Phils ticket office at 610-375-8469 or stop by the ticket office at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19605. Children 4 & under are free. For more information, you can also visit www.gamefaceinternational.com and www.epysa.org. For media inquiries please contact Evan Kravitz at Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, 215-657-7727.
