Friday, October 10, 2008            
                                         

RFK STADIUM WELCOMES BACK INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
~The Salvadorian National Team to take on Bolivia in an International Friendly match~

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission announced that CONCACAF is returning to the District for a pivotal international friendly match pitting the men’s national team from El Salvador against its South American neighbors Bolivia on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 at the historic RFK Stadium. This marks the sixth international match held at the stadium this year. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST.

“The Commission is once again is excited to be part of the continued efforts to highlight the world’s most popular game,” said Matthew Cutts, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission Board Chair. “RFK welcomes the men’s national teams from El Salvador and Bolivia as they attempt to improve their 2010 World Cup standings and to put their skills on display for a great match for the fans of both national sides.”

The teams are appearing for the second time in recent months at RFK with both hoping to add a win to their records. El Salvador lost to Trinidad and Tobago in August and Bolivia came up short against Guatemala on this field. Both teams would like to use this international friendly as an opportunity to bounce back and to prepare for their upcoming qualifying matches. El Salvador is grouped with Costa Rica, Haiti and Surinam in CONCACAF qualifying and will return to San Salvador following this match to prepare for the final 3rd round qualifier versus Costa Rica.  Bolivia has already qualified for the next round and looks to strengthen their squad as they prepare to face Colombia in March 2009.

“International soccer has always been well received by the Greater Washington Metro area and this match between Bolivia and El Salvador will feature some of the world’s best,” said Erik A. Moses, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission chief executive officer.  “This match continues the Commission’s tradition of bringing first-class, professional soccer matches to RFK for the entertainment of District residents and the region.”

El Salvador currently stands at 3-1-1 with wins over Haiti (5-0) and Suriname (3-0) and is well known as the first Central American team in history to qualify for World Cup. DC United fans will be familiar with El Salvador’s standout, Eliseo Quintanilla, who played for DCU from 2002-2004. Bolivia comes into the match with a recent record of 2-1-2 in World Cup Qualifying play since their last appearance here at RFK. The Bolivian national team is the native homeside for DCU standout, Capt. Jaime Moreno.

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 ticketmaster.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).

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.