FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DECEMBER 19, 2016
U.S. MEN’S SOCCER SET TO RETURN TO RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM FOR 2017 CONCACAF GOLD CUP
TAMPA, FL – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), as well as the Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC) and Tampa Sports Authority (TSA), are proud to announce the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup will return to Raymond James Stadium (RJS) as part of a July 12 doubleheader.
Headlining Group B matches will be the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), as they make their second Gold Cup appearance in Tampa Bay (2011).
“We could not be more excited to welcome the CONCACAF Gold Cup for a second time,” Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Rob Higgins said. “We have an extremely passionate and growing soccer fan base in the Tampa Bay area, and we look forward to celebrating another fantastic night of top-tier soccer on July 12 at Raymond James Stadium.”
The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup at RJS featured the USMNT, Panama, Canada and Guadeloupe, a doubleheader in which Panama and the United States went on to finish atop their Group. A full slate of 2017 Gold Cup teams and matches will be announced in 2017.
Opened in October 1996, Raymond James Stadium is no stranger to holding large sporting and entertainment events, having played host to the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2016 She Believes Cup, Super Bowl XXXV, Super Bowl XLIII, Beyonce: The Formation World Tour, Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour, One Direction: Where We Are Tour, and three Kenny Chesney Tours. Raymond James Stadium is also the home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, University of South Florida Football, the Outback Bowl and will serve as the host site of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship (Jan. 9, 2017).
For more information on the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, fans are encouraged to visit www.GoldCup.org.
Exclusive Presale Offering
Fans interested in being part of an exclusive presale offering for the Gold Cup at Raymond James Stadium should visit www.GoldCup.org to sign up for an exclusive pre-sale opportunity for any Gold Cup game day in 2017, before seats go on sale to the general public. Tickets for the 2017 Gold Cup will go on sale at a later date. The LOC encourages fans to purchase their tickets early in order to secure the best seats for a great fan experience.
About CONCACAF
CONCACAF services 41 member associations through offices located in Miami, New York, and Guatemala City, and is composed of a Congress, the CONCACAF Council, General Secretariat, several committees and judicial bodies. As the administrative body for the region, CONCACAF manages competitions, offers technical and administrative training courses, while also actively promoting and developing football.
Additional information on the Tampa Bay Sports Commission can be found at TampaBaySports.org. Also, follow the TBSC on Twitter, @SportsTampaBay, as well as Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Michael Farrant
Multimedia Specialist – Sports Commission
MFarrant@VisitTampaBay.com
Bobby Silvest
Vice President of Marketing & Communications - Tampa Sports Authority
BSilvest@TampaSportsAuthority.com
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREGAME ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED
Dierks Bentley to headline Championship Tailgate, Little Big Town to perform the National Anthem
CFP to pay tribute to our military with participation from MacDill AFB and U.S. Special Operations Command
IRVING, Texas – The College Football Playoff (CFP) today announced the pregame entertainment lineup surrounding the College Football Playoff National Championship, Monday, January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Multi-Platinum singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley will headline the Capital One Quicksilver® Music Stage from Championship Tailgate, the ultimate pregame event adjacent to Raymond James Stadium. Bentley has tallied 15 No. 1s and 14 GRAMMY nods over the course of his career and just released the title track from his critically acclaimed album BLACK, which follows two consecutive No. 1 hits: the CMA award-winning and GRAMMY nominated “Different for Girls” feat. Elle King and the multi-week Platinum No. 1 song “Somewhere On A Beach.” Bentley has been a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade and will launch his 2017 world tour on January 19 in Dayton, Ohio.
Pop band The Shadowboxers will open for Bentley. Described by The Nashville Scene as "a harmony-driven, funk-footed quintet, which combines elements of modern pop, '70s-style AM radio folk and classic R&B," the group was discovered by Justin Timberlake and subsequently signed to his artist development company, Villa 40.
Championship Tailgate will take place from Noon to 6:30 p.m. ET. The interactive area will allow fans to gather and enjoy games, sponsor activities, concessions and ESPN broadcast sets. The event is free for all ticket holders attending the national championship game.
Prior to kickoff, GRAMMY Award-winning group Little Big Town will perform the Star-Spangled Banner. The Platinum-selling group recently received its fifth consecutive Vocal Group of the Year Award at the Country Music Association Awards, earning the same honor at the Academy of Country Music Awards along with Vocal Event of the Year. Little Big Town has taken home over 16 major awards over the past five years, including a GRAMMY, multiple CMA and ACM awards, and an Emmy. New song, “Better Man,” is the group’s fastest-rising hit to date and the lead single from their seventh studio album, The Breaker, due out in February.
The national anthem will feature a flight from Challenger, the American Eagle Foundation’s famous free-flying bald eagle. The Nation's Colors will be presented by a MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard.
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the United States Special Operations Command, the American Flag and the participating team flags will be brought into Raymond James Stadium by members of the Tampa-based US Special Operations Command Para-Commandos.
Pregame, halftime and postgame pageantry will be produced by Michael T. Fiur Productions, one of the leading producers of live event and sports spectaculars in the world.
On-field, pregame festivities on January 9, will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will feature the winner of the Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the winner of the Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
Join the conversation on Twitter using the official hashtag #CFBPlayoff. For more information on the College Football Playoff and the national championship game, visit www.collegefootballplayoff.com.
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About the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 seed vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual and PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The 2016 semifinals will take place December 31, at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The national championship game will be Monday, January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Tampa Monster Jam® Tickets On-Sale Now
Tickets start at $15 for Monster Jam at Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL (December 8, 2016) – Feld Entertainment’s tickets for Monster Jam®, the most adrenaline-charged motorsports experience for families on the planet, are now on sale. Monster Jam events are affordably priced for the whole family with seats starting at $15.
Fans will celebrate Monster Jam’s 25th anniversary this year. In Tampa, they will see the shows roar into Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, January 14, 7 p.m., and Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m.
The January 14 event will feature 13 trucks and drivers competing to be the Tampa champion including Grave Digger driven by Dennis Anderson, Son-uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson, Monster Energy driven by Coty Saucier, El Toro Loco driven by Becky McDonough, Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo, Xtermigator driven by JR McNeal, Rage driven by Cory Rummel, Barbarian driven by Devin Jones, Wrecking Crew driven by Mike Thompson, OVER Bored driven by Jamey Garner, Overkill Evolution driven by Mike Vaters II, Black Stallion driven by Mike Vaters (trucks/drivers subject to change). Dennis Anderson, driver of Grave Digger is celebrating his 35th year driving his truck.
The February 4 event will feature 11 trucks and drivers vying for the Tampa championship including Grave Digger driven by Charlie Pauken, Dragon driven by Scott Liddycoat, Metal Mulisha driven by Todd LeDuc, Alien Invasion driven by Chad Tingler, VP Racing Fuels Mad Scientist driven by Lee O'Donnell, Storm Damage driven by Tim Mente, Hurricane Force driven by Steven Thompson, Big Kahuna driven by Shane England, Fatal Attraction driven by Jeff Murphy, Scooby-Doo, NEA, and El Toro Loco (trucks/drivers subject to change).
Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.
The Party in the Pits on January 14 and February 4 are 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and give fans the opportunity to get up close and personal to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers. Those tickets are $10 each with a show ticket. They will be available free at participating Southern Ford Dealers beginning January 1, 2017.
For more information on Monster Jam, log onto www.MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels below:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MonsterJam
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/MonsterJam
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/MonsterJamLive
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/MonsterJamLive
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.
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FLORIDA AND IOWA TO SQUARE-OFF IN OUTBACK BOWL
Tampa, FL— The Florida Gators and Iowa Hawkeyes will square-off in the Outback Bowl on January 2nd in Tampa, bowl officials announced today. Both teams are 8-4 with the SEC East Division Champion Gators ranked No. 17 in the CFP Ranking and No. 20 in the AP Poll while the Hawkeyes are ranked No. 21 in the AP. It will be only the fourth time these teams have played in more than 125 seasons of their football history.
“We are thrilled to extend an invitation to the University of Florida and the University of Iowa to play in this year’s Outback Bowl,” said Outback Bowl Chairman Steve Pratico. “These are two quality teams and a match-up that fans are really going to enjoy watching. We look forward to hosting the Hawkeyes and Gator teams and their fans, and ensure them they will have a memorable experience in the Tampa Bay area.”
“Few bowls have the combination of location, hospitality and facilities that the Outback Bowl enjoys,” said Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. “Tampa is a great city – a great Gator city - and we are looking forward to the week of activities that Jim McVay and the Outback Bowl staff will put on before our team faces the Iowa Hawkees from the Big 10 on January 2nd. ”
“We are excited and honored to be selected to participate in the 2017 Outback Bowl, said Gary Barta, director of athletics. “Coach Kirk Ferentz, his entire staff, and our student-athletes closed the season with three impressive victories, and their hard work and commitment to the program has been rewarded. With the end of season performances, our team certainly earned its way to this exciting bowl event.
“Iowa football has a strong history with the Outback Bowl, and the city of Tampa, and we are excited to have Tampa as the destination for the loyal and supportive fans of our program. Our passionate fan base always plays a part in our bowl selection and destination. As always, we know we will face a very strong opponent from the Southeastern Conference and we are looking forward to another outstanding Outback Bowl experience.”
The Outback Bowl will be played on January 2nd at 1:00 PM ET at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster at (813) 287-8844 or 1-800-745-3000 and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet in the state of Florida.
For information on Outback Bowl events leading up to the game go to the bowl web site at www.outbackbowl.com for details.
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BUCCANEERS-REDSKINS PRESEASON GAME MOVED TO WEDNESDAY NIGHT Anticipated Severe Weather Forces Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/29/16
BUCCANEERS-REDSKINS PRESEASON GAME MOVED TO WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Anticipated Severe Weather Forces Change
This week’s preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium has been moved to Wednesday, August 31, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The change from the originally scheduled date of Thursday, September 1, is in an effort to avoid anticipated severe weather from Tropical Depression Nine which is expected to impact the Tampa Bay area.
“We have been in regular communication with administrators from the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the National Weather Service over the past day as it has become apparent that the most severe weather associated with Tropical Depression Nine will likely make landfall on Thursday,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “This decision was made by both teams in conjunction with the National Football League and local authorities in an effort to ensure the safety of our fans, players and stadium staff.”
The game will be broadcast on WFLA News Channel 8 beginning with the scheduled 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
Enhanced Security Measures for All Raymond James Stadium Events
Clear bag and metal detection screening policy will be in effect for all events
(Tampa, August 22, 2016) Effective immediately, all events at Raymond James Stadium will be subject to enhanced security measures. These enhanced measures are the same ones that have been in place since 2013 for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneer home games. A clear bag and metal detection screening policy will now be in effect for all events held at Raymond James Stadium, including USF Football games, Outback Bowl and the Monster Jam Series.
“The Tampa Sports Authority continues to provide a safe and secure environment for our fans at Raymond James Stadium,” said Eric Hart, President/CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, operators of Raymond James Stadium. “The enhanced security measures are being implemented in cooperation with all our partners and will continue to put public safety as our top priority.”
Under the enhanced policy, fans are allowed to carry in no more than one approved clear bag (not to exceed 12”x6”x12”) and up to one small clutch-style bag (not to exceed 4.5”x6.5”). The policy only restricts the type and size of containers used to carry items, but the list of approved items has not changed. Fans may still carry usual items such as keys, wallets, makeup, phones, etc., in pockets or jackets in addition to the approved containers that are detailed below. Patrons with medically necessary items will be screened at specifically designated gate locations.
Fans entering the stadium may carry the following permissible style and size bag:
• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
• One-gallon (or smaller) clear plastic bag.
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand (no larger than 4.5”x6.5”), with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at specific gates designated for this purpose. Fans should contact the Tampa Sports Authority office 48 hours in advance by calling 813-350-6500 or go to raymondjamesstadium.com to make special medical needs arrangements.
Additionally, everyone entering the stadium will be subject to a magnetic wand search for prohibited items. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
purses larger than a clutch bag
binocular cases, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs or cinch bags
luggage of any kind
seat cushions
computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size
Fans are encouraged to visit raymondjamesstadium.com for all the details regarding prohibited items and security policies.
Vincent Marchetti to chair Tampa Sports Authority Board
(Tampa, Fl./ August 11, 2016) The Tampa Sports Authority Board of Directors has elected Vincent “Vin” Marchetti to the post of Chairman. Mr.
Marchetti was appointed by Hillsborough County and has served on the Authority board since 2001. Vin is a Shareholder at the law firm of Sterns Weaver Miller. With over 25 years of public and private sector experience in the Tampa Bay region and throughout Florida, he focuses his practice on land use, zoning, permitting, governmental affairs, and land use litigation. His term as chairman expires in July 2017.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Tampa Sports Authority board as we move into an exciting time with the major renovations to Raymond James Stadium and playing host to the upcoming College Football Playoff National Championship” said Mr. Marchetti, “I look forward to working with Eric Hart and his management team to continue bringing first class sports and entertainment events to our area.”
The Authority board also elected John Jaeb as Vice Chairman and Tony Muniz as Secretary/ Treasurer.
The Tampa Sports Authority manages Raymond James Stadium and three municipal golf courses- Rocky Point, Rogers Park and Babe Zaharias. The Authority also serves as the landlord for George Steinbrenner Field and the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
For more information, go to www.tampasportsauthority.com.
www.NewBucsGameday.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/31/16
BUCCANEERS AND RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL ANNOUNCE 12-YEAR EXTENSION FOR RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS
Deal Continues the Second-Longest Active Naming Rights Partnership in the NFL
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Raymond James Financial today announced an extension to their current naming rights partnership that ensures Raymond James Stadium will remain the name of the team’s home field through the 2027 season. The arrangement marks the second such extension of the original naming rights agreement which began prior to the stadium’s debut in 1998 and extends the second-longest continuous active stadium naming rights partnership in the National Football League.
Buccaneers Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer stated: “It is rare in today’s business climate to form the type of long-lasting partnerships that can endure the test of time. By the end of this extension, our partnership with Raymond James Financial will have reached 30 years. That type of long-term approach has defined our relationship to this point and will serve as the foundation for the years to come.”
As part of the agreement, the Buccaneers and Raymond James Financial will continue their nearly two decades of joint community work focused on giving back to the Tampa Bay area through the highly successful Kicking for Kids and Sack Hunger programs. 2016 will mark the 17th season of the Kicking for Kids program which has raised more than $300,000 for local children’s hospitals based on $1,000 donations by Raymond James Financial for every successful field goal made by Buccaneers placekickers each season. The annual Sack Hunger collection events held before the Thanksgiving holiday each year have collected more than 140 tons of non-perishable food items for local area food banks dating back to 2000.
“Raymond James has enjoyed a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the time the stadium opened in 1998,” said Executive Chairman Tom James. “Two Super Bowls and a Buccaneer NFL championship 18 years later, we are proud to extend our partnership for another 12 years. Just as importantly, we are also excited to continue giving back to the Tampa Bay community through our combined efforts, including our legacy Kicking for Kids and Sack Hunger programs.”
Raymond James Stadium is currently undergoing a comprehensive, $100 million renovation which will be completed in multiple stages over the coming years. The first stage of construction will be completed in time for the start of the 2016 NFL season and includes an all new integrated sound system as well as new, larger state-of-the-art HD video boards and four HD tower video displays in each corner of the lower bowl. The new boards will provide more than 28,400 square feet of video display area—the third-largest in the NFL. Other improvements include HD ribbon boards in the center ring of the suite level fascia and the renovation of luxury suites.
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Since its opening in 1998, Raymond James Stadium has played host to a number of world-class events, including Super Bowls XXXV (1/28/2001) and XLIII (2/1/2009), and on January 9, 2017, will be the site for the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in their 41st year as members of the National Football League and compete in the National Football Conference’s South Division. They were purchased by the late Malcolm Glazer in 1995 and are currently owned by the Glazer Family. Established in 1976, the Buccaneers have totaled six division championships, one conference championship and one Super Bowl Championship. The Buccaneers are also very active in the community, with the Glazer Family Foundation and Bucs Care dedicated to making a difference in the Tampa Bay area through programming that will inspire, equip and celebrate the “Champion” in each of us, highlighted by the Glazer Children’s Museum, opened in downtown Tampa in 2010. For more information, visit www.buccaneers.com.
ABOUT RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL, INC.
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. The company has approximately 6,700 financial advisors serving in excess of 2.8 million client accounts in more than 2,700 locations throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $522 billion. Public since 1983, the firm has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1986 under the symbol RJF. Additional information is available at www.raymondjames.com.
Contacts: Nelson Luis Steve Hollister
Sr. Director of Communications Director, Public Communications
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Financial
813.554.1314 727.567.2824
nluis@buccaneers.nfl.com mediarelations@raymondjames.com
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USA, ENGLAND, FRANCE AND GERMANY SET SHEBELIEVES CUP ROSTERS AS SOME OF THE WORLD'S TOP PLAYERS COME TO USA FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
SheBelieves Cup Features Doubleheaders at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (March 3), Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. (March 6) and FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. (March 9)
CHICAGO (Feb. 26, 2016) - The USA, England, France and Germany have set their rosters for the 2016 SheBelieves Cup, which will bring four of the world's top five ranked women's national teams to the USA from March 3-9.
The USA's hosting of the 2016 SheBelieves Cup, which will be the top four-nation women's international tournament in the world this year, will feature three doubleheaders: March 3 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida (Germany vs. France and USA vs. England), March 6 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee (France vs. England and USA vs. Germany) and March 9 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida (Germany vs. England and USA vs. France). The USA's first match against England will be broadcast on FS1 and its following two games against Germany and France will both be broadcast on ESPN3.
2016 SheBelieves Cup Schedule
Date Matches Stadium City Kickoff Watch
Mar. 3 Germany vs. France Raymond James Stadium Tampa, Fla. 5 p.m. ET
Mar. 3 USA vs. England Raymond James Stadium Tampa, Fla. 7:30 p.m. ET FS1
Mar. 6 USA vs. France Nissan Stadium Nashville, Tenn. 2 p.m. CT ESPN3
Mar. 6 England vs. Germany Nissan Stadium Nashville, Tenn. 4:30 p.m. CT
Mar. 9 France vs. England FAU Stadium Boca Raton, Fla. 5 p.m. ET
Mar. 9 USA vs. Germnay FAU Stadium Boca Raton, Fla. 7:30 p.m. ET ESPN3Tickets for all three doubleheaders are on sale through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers in the local venue areas. [Note: Tickets are not sold at either Raymond James Stadium or FAU Stadium except on the day of the event.] Groups of 20 or more can obtain an order form at ussoccer.com.
The winner of the tournament will be based on total points (three for a win, one for a tie), with the first tie-breaker being overall goal difference, followed by most total tournament goals scored, then head-to-head result and lastly (if necessary) FIFA Ranking .
The USA is currently first in the FIFA Women's World Rankings. Germany is ranked second, France is third and England is fifth. The USA, Germany and England all advanced to semifinals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup with Germany beating France in a quarterfinal penalty kick shootout to earn its spot in the last four.
USA
U.S. head coach Jill Ellis has named a 22-player roster that features 19 of the 20 players who helped the USA to the title at the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship while earning a berth to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil along the way. The roster includes the USA's individual award winners at that tournament: MVP Morgan Brian, Golden Glove winner Hope Solo and Golden Boot winner Crystal Dunn. Ellis has also recalled 2015 Women's World Cup winners Whitney Engen and Heather O'Reilly, who has 228 caps and 46 goals for the USA. Ellis also added one new player, handing Seattle Reign FC defender Lauren Barnes her first senior team call-up.U.S. Women's National Team SheBelieves Cup Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)
DEFENDERS (9): Lauren Barnes (Seattle Reign FC), Whitney Engen (Boston Breakers), Jaelene Hinkle (Western New York Flash), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (Portland Thorns FC), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Kelley O'Hara (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City), Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Morgan Brian (Houston Dash), Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Carli Lloyd (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (Western New York Flash), Heather O'Reilly (FC Kansas City)
FORWARDS (4): Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Chicago Red Stars), Mallory Pugh (Real Colorado)ENGLAND
Head coach Mark Sampson, a finalist for FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Soccer, has named 19 of the 23 players that helped England to an historic third-place finish at the 2015 Women's World Cup. Among them are goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, who grew up in Southern California, and captain Steph Houghton, who played every minute of the Women's World Cup and scored vs. Norway in the Round of 16. The roster also includes midfielder Fara Williams, who scored three times from the penalty spot during the World Cup, including the game-winner against Germany in overtime of the third-place match. Former University of North Carolina defender Lucy Bronze is also on the roster, and scored twicein the World Cup, including the game-winner against Canada in the quarterfinal match. England will bring a plethora of attacking talent that also includes Portland Thorns forward Jodie Taylor, who scored the first goal against Canada at the Women's World Cup. Williams (148 caps) and Eniola Aluko (98) are in line to make their 150th and 100th appearances respectively for England during the tournament.England Women's National Team SheBelieves Cup Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Karen Bardsley (Manchester City), Siobhan Chamberlain (Liverpool), Carly Telford (Notts County)
DEFENDERS (9): Laura Bassett (Notts County), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Gilly Flaherty (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Liverpool), Steph Houghton (Manchester City), Claire Rafferty (Chelsea), Alex Scott (Arsenal), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Casey Stoney (Arsenal)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Katie Chapman (Chelsea), Isobel Christiansen (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal), Jill Scott (Manchester City), Fara Williams (Arsenal)
FORWARDS (6): Eniola Aluko (Chelsea), Karen Carney (Chelsea), Gemma Davison (Chelsea), Toni Duggan (Manchester City), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jodie Taylor (Portland Thorns FC)GERMANY
Germany head coach Silvia Neid, a former international player herself who who led Germany to the 2007 Women's World Cup title, has been on Germany's coaching staff since 1996 and head coach since 2005, is in her last year at the helm before giving way to current assistant coach Steffi Jones next year. She brings 16 players from her 2015 Women's World Cup roster to the SheBelieves Cup. Germany has had a bit of a change-over since last summer as well as a few injuries but still boasts world class players at almost every position. Leading the way is forward Anja Mittag, who has scored 39 goals in her 132 caps and who won the Bronze Boot with five goals at the Women's World Cup, as well as midfielder Melanie Behringer (30 goals in 128 games) and forward Alexandra Popp (31 goals in 62 goals). With long-time goalkeeper Nadine Angerer retired, Almuth Schult takes over in goal and she has some experienced defenders in front of her, including Saskia Bartusiak, Annike Krahn, Babett Peter and rising young star outside back Leonie Maier. Germany has several talented young attackers, including former University of Central Florida striker Lena Petermann, who helped Germany to the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup title. Only two players on Germany's roster play outside of their home country in Mittag, who plays for PSG in France, and defender Josephine Henning, who plays for the Arsenal Ladies in England.Germany Women's National Team SheBelieves Cup Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Laura Benkarth (SC Freiburg), Almuth Schult (VfL Wolfsburg), Lisa Weiß (SGS Essen)
DEFENDERS (7): Saskia Bartusiak (1. FFC Frankfurt), Kathrin Hendrich (1. FFC Frankfurt), Josephine Henning (Arsenal Ladies), Tabea Kemme (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Annike Krahn (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Leonie Maier (FC Bayern München), Babett Peter (VfL Wolfsburg)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Melanie Behringer (FC Bayern München), Anna Blässe (VfL Wolfsburg), Sara Däbritz (FC Bayern München), Sara Doorsoun (SGS Essen), Lena Goeßling (VfL Wolfsburg), Svenja Huth (Vfl Wolfsburg), Isabel Kerschowski (VfL Wolfsburg)
FORWARDS (6): Mandy Islacker (1. FFC Frankfurt), Lina Magull (SC Freiburg), Dzsenifer Marozsan (1. FFC Frankfurt), Anja Mittag (Paris St. Germain FC), Lena Petermann (SC Freiburg), Alexandra Popp (VfL Wolfsburg)FRANCE
France is stocked with talented players including 16 members of its 2015 Women's World Cup Team that fell in penalty kicks to Germany in a quarterfinal round match they certainly could have won in regulation. France has skill and speed all over the field, as well as experience, with eight players holding 97 or more caps, led by veteran midfielders Camille Abily (158 caps/30 goals) and Elise Bussaglia (150/27), as well as rugged center-back Laura Georges (167/6), who played college soccer at Boston College. Louisa Necib (135/34) is widely considered one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, while forward Eugenie Le Sommer is also one of the best at her position and superb around the goal. She has piled up 52 goals in 116 caps including three scores at the Women's World Cup. France has two of the fastest players in the world in Marie-Laure Delie, who also scored three times in Canada and dynamic winger Elodie Thomis. France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, who saved Abby Wambach's penalty kick in January of 2015 in Lorient, is a long-time starter and just hit 100 caps.France Women's National Team SheBelieves Cup Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Sarah Bouhaddi (Olympique Lyonnais), Méline Gerard (Olympique Lyonnais), Laëtitia Philippe (Montpellier HSC)
DEFENDERS (7): Sabrina Delannoy (Paris Saint-Germain), Kelly Gadea (Montpellier HSC), Laura Georges (Paris Saint-Germain), Jessica Houara D'Hommeaux (Paris Saint-Germain), Sakina Karchaoui (Montpellier HSC), Amel Majri (Olympique Lyonnais), Griedge Mbock Bathy (Olympique Lyonnais)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Camille Abily (Olympique Lyonnais), Viviane Asseyi (Montpellier HSC), Charlotte Bilbault (FCF Juvisy), Elise Bussaglia (Vfl Wolfsburg), Kadidiatou Diani (FCF Juvisy), Kheira Hamraoui (Paris Saint-Germain), Aurélie Kaci (Olympique Lyonnais), Marie-Charlotte Leger (Montpellier HSC), Elodie Thomis (Olympique Lyonnais)
FORWARDS (4): Marie-Laure Delie (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Claire Lavogez (Olympique Lyonnais), Eugénie Le Sommer (Olympique Lyonnais), Louisa Necib (Olympique Lyonnais)Conceived of and developed by the USWNT players, #SheBelieves is a movement to inspire young girls and encourage them to accomplish all their goals and dreams, athletic or otherwise. The campaign launched in the run-up to the 2015 Women's World Cup and has grown since then as the team and its fans have taken its powerful message into their communities. The SheBelieves Cup adds a showcase event to the campaign, which will continue to spread its positive message to young women and girls.
Additional notes:
- All three matches carry some significant storylines for the USA. The meeting with Germany will be the first since the epic 2015 Women's World Cup semifinal, a 2-0 U.S. victory. The meeting with France will be the first since the 2015 Algarve Cup championship game, a 2-0 U.S. win that reversed a 2-0 loss in the teams' first match of 2015. The meeting with England will be the first since the USA's narrow 1-0 victory in Milton Keynes, England in early February of last year that sparked a 24-game unbeaten streak which included the run to the World Cup title.
- In addition, the other matches carry tremendous intrigue with Germany facing France in a rematch of their Women's World Cup quarterfinal, and England taking on Germany, the team it defeated in the third-place match of the Women's World Cup.
- The USA is 19-4-7 all-time against Germany and 2-0-0 against West Germany in matches played in 1988 and 1990. The most recent meeting between the teams came on June 30 in Montreal as the USA defeated Germany 2-0 in the 2015 Women's World Cup semifinal on goals from Carli Lloyd and Kelley O'Hara.
- The USA is 15-1-2 all-time against France, with the lone loss coming on Feb. 8 of last year, a 2-0 setback in Lorient, France that kicked off the 2015 schedule. The USA avenged the loss with a 2-0 victory in the championship game of the 2015 Algarve Cup in Portugal as Julie Johnston and Christen Press scored. The losing team in both those games had a penalty kick saved as Sarah Bouhaddi denied Abby Wambach in Lorient and Hope Solo denied Amandine Henry in Faro.
- The USA is 7-3-1 all-time against England, which includes the most recent match between the teams: a 1-0 victory on Feb. 13, 2015, in Milton Keynes, England, where the lone goal come froman Alex Morgan header.
- The USA has played six times in Tampa, Fla., including two games at Raymond James Stadium. Most recently, the USA defeated France, 1-0, in June of 2014 on a goal from Sydney Leroux.
- The USA has played just five times in the state of Tennessee (three in Chattanooga and two in Nashville at what is currently Nissan Stadium). Most recently, the USA defeated Costa Rica 7-2 at Finley Stadium on Aug. 19 during the 2015 Victory Tour.
- The USA has played five matches in Boca Raton, including two at FAU Stadium, a 4-1 win against China PR in 2012 and a 7-0 victory against Russia in 2014.
- ussoccer.com -
BEYONCÉ ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR
Raymond James Stadium to host on April 29th
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 7, 2016) – BEYONCÉ announced THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR following her appearance during Super Bowl 50. The highly-anticipated tour, promoted by Live Nation, presented by American Express and produced by Parkwood Entertainment, will kick off in North America on April 27 in Miami, Fla. at Marlins Park with 21 additional stadium dates lined up throughout the country including Raymond James Stadium in Tampa,FL., April 29th. The European leg of THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR will start on June 28 in Sunderland, United Kingdom at Stadium of Light. Tickets will go on sale for the U.S. tour, starting Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 10:00 am. Tickets can be purchased thru Livenation.com.
As Beyoncé wants to present her fans with the best possible experience at the concerts, she has joined forces with THX® Ltd to provide the highest quality audio experience during THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR. THX has assessed, optimized and certified that the acoustic systems used at the concerts are without peer. With this association, concert-goers will get the best acoustic experience possible at any large-venue event.
THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR is BEYONCÉ’s first solo tour since her ambitious Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013. The sold-out tour spanning two years and five continents thrilled nearly two million fans and was hailed by critics worldwide. During the summer of 2014, BEYONCÉ and JAY Z launched the six-week ON THE RUN Tour, playing major stadiums in the US. They ended the tour in Paris, France in September 2014.