Annapolis Celebrates Upcoming Soccer Series Featuring Premier League Teams

On June 7, representatives from Wolverhampton Wanderers (better known as just Wolves), the Maryland Sports Commission, and Elite Promotions Group were in Anne Arundel County to promote an upcoming international soccer match in the area. The match, part of a three-city series called The Stateside Cup, will make a stop in Annapolis at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on July 31, and will feature English Premier League teams Wolves and West Ham.

“We are proud to bring these three historic Premier League teams to the U.S. for The Stateside Cup,” Elite Promotions Cofounder Raymond Farrelly said. “This will be a true tournament, with a winner crowned following the three-game series, so competition will be fierce. We know that Jacksonville, Annapolis and Tampa are strong markets for soccer and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the world’s best talent in these three games.”

Crystal Palace is making back-to-back trips to the U.S., having played matches in Chicago and Detroit just last year. On top of six previous pre-season tours Stateside, Palace have attended the last two Premier League Mornings Live! Events in Nashville, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida.

Wolves have competed in the U.S. on several occasions. However, their most impactful trip to the states was in the summer of 1967 as part of the first major U.S. soccer league, helping to launch the U.S. soccer boom. In the form of a slightly altered roster known as the Los Angeles Wolves, they won the United Soccer Association’s championship over 11 other global teams.

“Here at Wolves, we have a proud and long-standing connection with the states, having played such a significant role in the first professional league back in 1967 as the LA Wolves,” said Russell Jones, Wolves general manager for marketing and commercial growth. “We have a large following in America and in recent years we’ve connected with fans at MLS NEXT Pro in Salt Lake City in 2022, the TST tournament in North Carolina last summer and the various Premier League Mornings Live events, which most recently took place in Nashville. Bringing the first-team to the U.S. is a major next step and we are looking forward to working with our U.S.-based supporter clubs to put on a series of events for existing and new fans traveling to the games. Aside from the opportunity to grow the club’s fans base, the tour will also provide a number of exciting exposure opportunities for club partners looking to grow their brands in the U.S.”

Limited tickets are available for as low as $35, and limited premium seating is available. Previous years have sold out quickly, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Tickets can be purchased through www.statesidecup.com.