Friday, October 10, 2008            
                                         

RFK STADIUM WELCOMS BACK WORLD CUP SOCCER
~U.S. Men’s National Team to take on Cuba in FIFA World Cup Qualifier~

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission announced today that tickets for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cuba on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008 at the historic RFK Stadium are on sale. Nearly 19,000 tickets have been sold in advance of the match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic and Galavision. Fans can also follow along live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

“The Commission is also excited to be a partner with US Soccer and DC United in promoting the world’s most popular game,” said Matthew Cutts, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission Board Chair. “RFK is ready to host another great match for the fans and a positive result for the US National Team’s 2010 World Cup standings.”

RFK Stadium is a familiar facility to the U.S. national team, having 17 matches played at the venue since 1977.  The U.S. has established a 10-3-4 record in the nation’s capital, including a 3-1-1 record in World Cup qualifying.  With an average attendance of over 30,000, Washington, D.C. has witnessed several memorable matches, including a 4-0 victory against Mexico in 1995 and a 1-0 win against Argentina in 1999. 

“We’re happy to host the FIFA world cup qualifier again which will feature some of the best names in soccer from the US and Cuba,” said Erik A. Moses, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission chief executive officer.  “Bringing first-class, professional soccer matches to our stadium is significant for our entire community.”
The U.S. currently sits in first place of Group 1. In this round the team has scored five goals and allowed zero putting them four points ahead of Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago who are tied with five points each. The U.S. team is favored to advance to the final round of qualifying in 2009, a feat that only two in the group will achieve.  The team is ranked 28th overall in the FIFA World Rankings and holds an impressive 6-2-2 record for 2008.

RFK last hosted the national team on Oct. 13, 2004, when an Eddie Johnson hat trick paced the United States to a 6-0 victory against Panama to close out the semifinal phase of qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. RFK Stadium has served as the home of four-time MLS Cup Champion D.C. United since its inception in 1996 and was the first venue to host the MLS Cup Championship three times.  The stadium’s storied bouncy seats and nostalgic charm add to the authentic soccer atmosphere that fans relish at the games.  In addition to two MLS Cups, RFK has hosted several memorable soccer matches including World Cup games in 1994, Olympic men’s soccer in 1996, the 2002 and 2004 MLS All-Star games. 

Tickets are available online at ussoccer.com, through all Washington-Baltimore Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone Washington 202-397-SEAT (7328); Baltimore 410-547-SEAT (7328); Northern Virginia 703-573-SEAT (7328); out of state 1-800-551-SEAT (7328). Groups of 20 or more can obtain a group order form at ussoccer.com or by phone at 312-528-1290. Ultimate Fan Tickets, a special VIP package which includes a premium ticket, a custom made official U.S. national team jersey personalized with name and number, VIP access to the field before and after the game, and other unique benefits) are also available exclusively through ussoccer.com. Visa® is the preferred card of U.S. Soccer.

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of Nationals Park which was completed in record time and within the cost cap.  The mission of the DCSEC is to attract, present and host sporting, entertainment and special events.  The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.