USA to play for third place in Copa America in Phoenix on Saturday
Jun 22, 2016, 2:32 PM | Updated: Jun 23, 2016, 12:54 pm
United States' Graham Zusi celebrates after winning a Copa America Group A soccer match against Paraguay, Saturday, June 11, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOENIX — Chants of “USA, USA” and “I believe!” will be heard in the Phoenix area Saturday when the U.S. Men’s national soccer team competes for third place in the Copa America at University of Phoenix Stadium.
The date with Glendale became official after the team lost to Argentina 4-0 in a semifinal match. The U.S. will face Colombia.
The matchup will be a challenge for the U.S. The team began Copa America — essentially a World Cup, but only for teams from the Americas — play with a 2-0 loss to Colombia earlier this month.
The South American country is ranked third in the world by FIFA. The Americans are ranked 31st.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Gates will open two-and-a-half hours beforehand and tickets are available.
The official fan group of the U.S. team — the American Outlaws — tweeted Wednesday that it was coordinating game day events.
Today's To-Do List:
📌 buy TIFO material
📌 coordinate ticket announcement
📌 organize #AONB4
📌 organize #AOTailgate
📌 meet with Copa Official— AO Phoenix (@AOPHX) June 22, 2016
Traffic will likely be heavy in the area, just as it was earlier this month when the stadium hosted two other Copa America matches.
While no road closures have been announced, the roads will be heavy with traffic as fans head to the stadium near Bethany Home Road and the Loop 101 in the West Valley.
Parking lots will also be full. The stadium is charging $20 per spot and all lots will open at noon.
Tailgating will be permitted in the parking lot, but there are some limits in place.
Fans going to the match won’t only face heavy traffic but some security restrictions, including those placed on purses.
The tournament is only permitting clutches to be carried into the stadium. Fans can carry their items in a clear plastic bag that is no larger than the average Ziploc plastic freezer bag.
Headed to the #Copa100 games this weekend? Don't forget the clear bag policy! pic.twitter.com/JrgKgKmnu3
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 1, 2016
