World Cup soccer is coming to Philly -- well sort of.
Before U.S. soccer heads off to the World Cup in South Africa they will practice with a friendly against Turkey on home turf.
U.S. and non World-Cup qualified Turkey will go head-to-head on May 29 at the Linc. The Memorial Day weekend game will also be televised on ESPN2.
And, the decision to bring the U.S. team here before the teams leave for South Africa is getting some serious buzz.
“I think that this game continues to put Philadelphia on a national stage," Mayor Michael Nutter said to Philly Soccer News. “To take you back a little bit, in 2008 Philadelphia had the largest increase in international tourism of any city in the United States of America at 28 percent. The more activity we see, the more Philadelphia is on an international stage.”
The game also comes at a perfect time with the Philadelphia Union starting up their first season this spring.
Could Philly quickly be becoming an international soccer hotbed?
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“This game is a testament not only to the great local soccer community, but the entire region’s support of soccer,” said Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit. “We’re honored to be part of the community and to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s sendoff to South Africa."
Tickets start at just 25 bucks. They on sale at 10 a.m. on Feb. 24.
And, let's hope that practice does make perfect for U.S. Soccer.
