JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Football will no longer be the only sport to be played at EverBank Field, at least not for the next three years.
Major League Soccer will be coming to Jacksonville as part of an agreement with the Philadelphia Union to host an annual exhibition game.
Mayor Alvin Brown made the announcement at a news conference today.
"Jacksonville has shown a strong interest in soccer," said Mayor Brown. "Just ask the 45,000 fans who broke a Southeast attendance record last May for the US Men's National Team match at EverBank Field."
The exhibition match will be held each February through 2015. Starting at 7:30 p.m. on February 15, 2013, the Union will face another yet-to-be announced MLS team.
The Philadelphia Union is one of the younger franchises in the MLS. The team was awarded to the city of Philadelphia in 2008.
"We are excited to play in front of the people of Jacksonville and look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with the city of Jacksonville and its fans" said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Operating Partner of Philadelphia Union.
Sea Best Seafood will be the presenting sponsor of the event for all three years. A free youth clinic will be held right before the first exhibition match. Tickets are on sale at the
Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office and online at
Ticket Master.
