- April 26, 2024
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by: Marielkis Salazar
NASCAR Communications
Daytona International Speedway brings new flavor to this year’s 4th of July celebration with Daytona Soccer Fest, a one-of-a-kind event bringing world-class entertainment and professional soccer to the iconic venue known for the annual Daytona 500 race.
The World Center of Racing and Torneos, a leading company in the sports entertainment industry, announced on Tuesday, April 26, that the National Women’s Soccer League will join Daytona Soccer Fest with an official league match between the Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville FC.
The regular season match, which features the hometown team, Orlando Pride, will move to the newly built soccer field for this first-of-its-kind event inside Daytona International Speedway on the grass field between pit road and the trioval.
"The two-day lineup at Soccer Fest is very impressive, and now we have a nice local angle with our friends with the Orlando Pride,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway. “Soccer Fest is going to provide a little something for the entire family — incredible soccer competition and a wide array of entertainment. At Daytona International Speedway, we are known for hosting world-class events, and Soccer Fest fits that bill. It’s going to be one heck of a July 4th weekend celebration.”
Ignacio Galarza is the CEO of Torneos.
“We take great pride to bring our experience and longstanding tradition in the world of sports to this emblematic track as part of our regional expansion." Galarza said. "For the first time in history, a professional natural grass soccer field will be built in the infield of this iconic venue and host a NWSL official match between two of the League’s great teams: the Orlando Pride and Racing Louisville FC. We can't wait to see the NWLS Stars playing world class soccer in this fantastic place."
Mark Wilf, Orlando Pride chairman, said are excited to bring forth this match experience.
“The NWSL and women’s soccer continue to grow each day, and we’re happy to be part of this historic opportunity to showcase our club, our players and our league at one of the most iconic venues in American sports," he said. "It’s an honor for our club and league to continue to lead the charge for women’s professional soccer and to elevate our players with this marquee matchup at Daytona Soccer Fest."
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said they are thrilled to celebrate the Daytona Soccer Fest and excited to bring an official NWSL match to Daytona Beach.
“This truly one-of-a-kind event will be a special experience for both the players and our fans, and we couldn’t be more excited to have one of the most iconic and renowned sports venues in the world as a backdrop to showcase our game," Berman said. "Thank you to Daytona International Speedway, Torneos, and our clubs in Orlando and Louisville for their continued partnership as we make this event a reality.”
Gemma Bonner, Racing Louisville defender and captain, expressed similar sentiments.
“We’re super excited to be playing in the NWSL Clash at Daytona against Orlando,” Bonner said. “We can’t wait to put a show on for you all. Our games against Orlando are always super exciting and go down to the last few minutes.”
In addition to the newly announced NWSL match, All-Time best players from the Americas and Europe go head-to-head in a Continental Clash for the ages for the Legends Game. World Cup Champions and League Legends collide on the field of dreams built for this weekend festival.
Argentina's and Barça's superstar Javier Mascherano together with French World Champion and Juventus icon David Trezeguet, will join other legendary players such as: Juan Sebastian Verón, Gaizka Mendieta, Mikael Silvestre, Augusto Fernández, Juan Francisco Torres, Miguel Ángel Moya, Pavel Pardo and Claudio Pizarro are just some of the names that will step on the pitch at Daytona Soccer Fest.
In addition to the soccer games, famous American rapper, Chance the Rapper, has been added to the entertainment lineup joining two Latin sensations: 2021 Latin Grammy Award winner Rauw Alejandro will perform his greatest hits during a 90-minute concert, along with Adassa “the princess of reggaeton,” who recently played a role in Disney’s Encanto film.
Toyota, the world’s leading automotive company, has also joined the festival as the exclusive automotive sponsor of Daytona Soccer Fest. Adding to the excitement, Toyota will bring the action to another level with a thrill ride area, providing fans a chance to experience first-hand the exhilaration of the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway track. Fans will be treated to a variety of soccer themed games and activities at the Fan zone area. Soccer enthusiasts will have the opportunity to play games, win prizes and spend a fun-filled weekend with the family, all while enjoying music from talented artists performing at the event.
“We’re elated to join Daytona Soccer Fest for its inaugural festival as we continue to connect with fans with soccer, music and vehicles at this fun and entertaining event,” said Darcey Rayner, sponsorship strategy, integration and activation, Toyota Motor North America. “To be back at Daytona International Speedway adds to the excitement and we’re happy to celebrate with fans at this terrific family venue.”
Below is a list of confirmed events for the family-friendly DAYTONA Soccer Fest on Saturday, July 2, and Sunday, July 3. Tickets are on sale starting at $99 for a day pass and $149 for a two-day pass. Visit www.daytonasoccerfest.com for more information.
