In The News

HOUSTON – Today, in the 17th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup, (the Confederation of North and Central America and Caribbean Association Football) announced that NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas will host the matchups of Haiti vs. Qatar and Mexico vs. Honduras in the 2023 Gold Cup. The two matches are scheduled for Sunday, June 25, with Haiti vs. Qatar scheduled for 5 p.m. CT and Mexico vs. Honduras starting at 7 p.m. CT. 

 

The Concacaf Gold Cup, which takes place biannually, is the official national team championship of the region, which includes North America, Central America and the Caribbean. This year’s tournament is scheduled to take place from June 16 to July 16, 2023 and marks the seventh time NRG Stadium will host the Gold Cup, which is tied with Soldier Field for a record number in the history of the tournament. NRG Stadium hosted over 70,000 fans per match in 2019 and 2021, which marked the most attended matches in the entire tournament.  

“We are honored to once again host the Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium,” said Lone Star Sports and Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. “Houston is home to the best soccer fans in the country and we look forward to providing them another edition of this world-class event. Our community is excited for this draw and we are looking forward to welcoming the participating teams to our vibrant city.”

Mexico and Honduras will open their respective tournament runs at NRG Stadium. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup marks the Mexican National Team’s 20th visit to NRG Stadium, the most appearances at any venue in the United States. In 2021, Mexico defeated Honduras 3-0 in the Gold Cup quarterfinal to advance to the semifinal at NRG Stadium against Canada.

Haiti will face off against Qatar, the host-nation team of the 2022 World Cup, in the first match of the doubleheader. Qatar is returning to the Concacaf Gold Cup for the second time, following their appearance in 2021 which also featured a match in Houston.  

In addition to two matches being played at NRG Stadium, the city of Houston will host four other matches at Shell Energy Stadium, making Houston the only market with two host venues in this year’s tournament.   

The full match schedule and venue assignments for all 15 stadiums were announced at today’s tournament draw in Los Angeles. For more information about the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including schedules, tickets and other details, click here.  

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

 

Miami, FL (Monday, April 10, 2023) – Concacaf has today announced the 15 stadiums in 14 metropolitan areas that will host matches of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, including two stadiums in Houston. NRG Stadium, home to the Houston Texans, and Shell Energy Stadium, the home of Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash, are each slated to host matches in this summer’s tournament.

The 17th edition of Concacaf’s flagship competition for men's national teams will be played between June 16 – July 16 and will crown the best national team in the region. Today’s announcement comes after the Confederation confirmed that Our Final, on Sunday, July 16, was awarded to Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.

Houston is the only city with two stadiums selected to host matches in the tournament. The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup is a key part of a series of championship sporting events brought to Houston through the efforts of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, including the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2024 Junior Olympic Games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Harris County-Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke said: “With our  large, diverse and incredibly passionate soccer community and a pair of world-class soccer stadiums, it’s no surprise that Houston has not one, but two venues selected to host matches in this summer’s Gold Cup tournament. It’s such an amazing time to be a sports fan in Houston. Our organization is proud to lead the bid efforts and to work with our sports teams to continue bringing these type of amazing events to our region.”

This summer marks the seventh time NRG Stadium will host the Gold Cup. NRG Stadium was the most attended Gold Cup venue in 2021, when Mexico defeated Canada 2-1 in a semifinal match in front of over 70,000 fans.

Lone Star Sports and Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher said: “We are honored to once again host the Concacaf Gold Cup at NRG Stadium. Houston is home to the best soccer fans in the country, and we look forward to providing them another edition of this world-class event. Our community is excited to see this Friday’s draw and welcome participating teams to our vibrant city very soon.”

The 2023 edition of the Gold Cup is the sixth tournament to feature matches at the recently-renovated Shell Energy Stadium. The venue has hosted every edition of the competition since 2013.

Houston Dynamo Football Club Chief Operating Officer Jessica O’Neill said: “We are excited to showcase a newly renovated venue for the Gold Cup this summer and offer fans an enhanced experience as they support their national team at Shell Energy Stadium. We take pride in ensuring that the hospitality of Houston is enjoyed by all who will join us for these world-class competitions.”

The 2023 Gold Cup is a key part of the region’s vibrant summer of football, which will also include the Final of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League on June 4, and the Concacaf Nations League Finals in Las Vegas, NV, between June 15-18. 

Regarding this exciting 2023 Gold Cup announcement, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, said: “The Concacaf Gold Cup is our flagship competition and showcases the very best of men’s national team football in the region. With each passing edition this competition has reached new heights on and off the pitch and I am certain the 2023 tournament will deliver outstanding football and capture the imagination of fans across our confederation and beyond.

“The 15 host cities and venues we have selected all have strong track records of hosting elite football, and world class events. I want to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to Concacaf, to our Gold Cup and to our sport. This is a tremendous time for football in the region with Nations Leagues, men’s and women’s Gold Cups, and other exciting national team and club competitions taking place over the next three years as we head towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

“I look forward with great anticipation to watching the Gold Cup Prelims in June and enjoying compelling football involving all the Gold Cup teams right through to the Final and crowning a champion in Los Angeles on July 16.” 

Fans interested in purchasing tickets to the session at NRG Stadium may join the waitlist at LSSE.net

2023 Gold Cup Draw

To kick off the 2023 Gold Cup, Concacaf will conduct the competition’s official draw on Friday, April 14, 2023, at SoFi Stadium. 

The live in-person event will begin at 12:00 pm PT/local time (3:00 pm ET) and will include the participation of Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, the head coaches of the national teams participating in the 2023 Gold Cup and important guests.

The draw will be available for fans across the region to view on One Soccer (CAN), FS2 (USA), TUDN (USA and MEX), ESPN (Central America and Caribbean), and other regional broadcasters. For other territories, the event will be available on Concacaf GO, Concacaf Facebook page, and Concacaf YouTube channel (all subject to territory restrictions).

For more details regarding the draw, including the procedures and seeded nations, click here. 

The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup is sponsored by Modelo, Qatar Airways, Toyota and Valvoline.

About Gold Cup

The Concacaf Gold Cup is the Confederation’s premier competition for men’s national teams, crowning a champion every two years. Initially involving eight teams, the Gold Cup expanded into a competition that includes a 12-team Preliminary Round and 16-team Group Stage, all which qualify via the Concacaf Nations League. The tournament has been contested on 16 previous occasions. Mexico owns a tournament-record eight titles, followed by the United States with seven and Canada with one. For more information about the Concacaf Gold Cup, click here. 

About Concacaf

The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south. Concacaf means football first. Our members are united by a shared vision: Love For Our Game, as well as a unique mission, to develop, promote and manage football throughout the region with integrity, transparency, and passion in order to inspire participation in the game.

About Lone Star Sports and Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

 

HOUSTON – English Premier League champions Manchester City and Liga BBVA MX powerhouse Club América have announced the following rosters that will travel to Houston ahead of the 2022 Copa de Lone Star:

 

MANCHESTER CITY (26 PLAYERS)*

GOALKEEPERS (3): Stefan Ortega, Ederson, Scott Carson

 

DEFENDERS (9): Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké, Oleksandr Zinchenko, João Cancelo, Luke Mbete, Rico Lewis, Finley Burns, Josh Wilson-Esbrand

 

MIDFIELDERS (9): Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, Rodrigo, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb, Ben Knight

 

FORWARDS (5): Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Riyad Mahrez, Liam Delap, Kayky

 

*Roster subject to change

 

CLUB AMÉRICA (24 PLAYERS)*

 

GOALKEEPERS (2): Guillermo Ochoa, Óscar Jiménez

 

DEFENDERS (8): Miguel Layún, Jorge Sánchez, Bruno Valdez, Emilio Lara, Néstor Araujo, Sebastián Cáceres, Luis Fuentes, Mauricio Reyes

 

MIDFIELDERS (9): Alejandro Zendejas, Jürgen Damm, Pedro Aquino, Jonathan Dos Santos, Álvaro Fidalgo, Richard Sánchez, Karel Campos, Íker Moreno, Sebastián Martínez

 

FORWARDS (5): Jonathan Rodríguez, Diego Valdés, Román Martínez, Federico Viñas, Henry Martín

 

*Roster subject to change

 

 

The 2022 Copa de Lone Star will kick off in primetime at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 20. Played at NRG Stadium in Houston, the game will be televised live within the United States on ESPN2 (English) and TUDN (Spanish). The fixtures will also be available globally for fans via Manchester City’s content subscription channel, City+ (excluding USA and Mexico). Fans can visit www.mancity.com and www.clubamerica.com.mx for more information on global broadcast outlets and find match and ticket information at www.lsse.net/copadelonestar.

 

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

 

About Manchester City Football Club

 

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone onto win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, eight League Championship titles, including six Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and six FA Cups. Manchester City FC is one of 12 clubs comprising the City Football Group and counts New York City FC and Melbourne City FC among its sister clubs.

 

Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world football, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 55,000 seat arena that City have called home since 2003. Today, the Stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus, which also encompasses the City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance training and youth development facility located in the heart of East Manchester. Featuring a 7,000 capacity Academy Stadium, the City Football Academy is also where Manchester City Women’s Football Club and the Elite Development Squad train on a daily basis and play their competitive home games.

 

For more information, please visit www.mancity.com.

 

About Club América

 

Founded on October 12, 1916, Club América is the largest and winningest soccer team in both Mexico and North America. The Eagles have secured 13 Liga MX titles, six Copa MX titles and one Liga MX Femenil. At the international level, Club América has won two Inter-American Cups and a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup/Champions League tiles. Playing its home games at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Club América is also heavily involved in various social responsibility initiatives and activities.

 

For more information, please visit www.clubamerica.com.mx.

HOUSTON – The 2022 Copa de Lone Star, a showcase international soccer event featuring reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City and Liga BBVA MX powerhouse Club América, will kick off in primetime at 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, July 20. Played at NRG Stadium in Houston, the game will be televised live within the United States on ESPN2 (English) and TUDN (Spanish). The fixtures will also be available globally for fans via Manchester City's content subscription channel, City+ (excluding USA and Mexico). Fans can visit www.mancity.com and www.clubamerica.com.mx for more information on global broadcast outlets and find match and ticket information at www.lsse.net/copadelonestar.

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing annual college football events such as the TaxAct Texas Bowl, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including the Copa de Lone Star, Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

 

About Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone onto win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, eight League Championship titles, including six Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and six FA Cups. Manchester City FC is one of 12 clubs comprising the City Football Group and counts New York City FC and Melbourne City FC among its sister clubs.

Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world football, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 55,000 seat arena that City have called home since 2003. Today, the Stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus, which also encompasses the City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance training and youth development facility located in the heart of East Manchester. Featuring a 7,000 capacity Academy Stadium, the City Football Academy is also where Manchester City Women’s Football Club and the Elite Development Squad train on a daily basis and play their competitive home games.

For more information, please visit www.mancity.com.

 

About Club América

Founded on October 12, 1916, Club América is the largest and winningest soccer team in both Mexico and North America. The Eagles have secured 13 Liga MX titles, six Copa MX titles and one Liga MX Femenil. At the international level, Club América has won two Inter-American Cups and a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup/Champions League tiles. Playing its home games at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Club América is also heavily involved in various social responsibility initiatives and activities.

For more information, please visit www.clubamerica.com.mx

 

Houston – Lone Star Sports & Entertainment announced today that reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City will meet Liga BBVA MX powerhouse Club América in the 2022 Copa de Lone Star at NRG Stadium on Wednesday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for this international friendly will go on sale to the public beginning on April 28. Fans can find ticket and match information at www.lsse.net/copadelonestar. Television broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

 

The contest will mark Manchester City’s first international friendly in over two calendar years due to COVID-19 restrictions and the club’s return to NRG Stadium after taking on Manchester United on July 20, 2017, in the first overseas Manchester derby. Club América returns to NRG Stadium for the first time since meeting F.C. Barcelona on August 9, 2006. Manchester City will play a second U.S. preseason fixture to be announced in the near future.

 

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome these two iconic teams and their passionate fans back to Houston for one of this summer’s most exciting events,” said Greg Grissom, President of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. “Manchester City and Club América are truly global brands. On July 20, the stage will be set at NRG Stadium for another exciting chapter in each club’s storied legacy.”

 

“Houston is the nation’s most diverse and inclusive city. We love sports and welcome fans worldwide to come and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of great competition and sportsmanship,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We are honored to be the host city for the match between these two outstanding teams. The event is guaranteed to be huge for soccer fans and a big win for the City of Houston.”

 

“The game of soccer is as close as we get to having an international language,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “As the third largest county in America, the most diverse in the nation and a destination for people and businesses from across the globe, we are delighted to welcome these two teams to Harris County. I’m confident these teams and their fans will not soon forget the wonderful hospitality, energy, and spirit of competition our region is known for.”

 

Manchester City was originally founded as St. Mark’s West Gorton in 1880, later assuming its current name in 1894. The Club has secured a European Cup Winners’ Cup, seven League Championship titles, including five Premier League titles in the last seven years (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) and six FA Cups. Manchester City is one of 11 clubs comprising the City Football Group (CFG). Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world soccer, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the 55,000 seat Etihad Stadium that City has called home since 2003.

 

“We are excited to return to the United States for this summer’s preseason trip, our first since before COVID. Our players and coaches cannot wait to play once again in-person in front of our American fans, who have shown us such great support and passion,” said Omar Berrada, Chief Football Operations Officer at City Football Group. “Our first stop will be to Houston where we will take on Club América in our first preseason exhibition match. Houston is a city we are familiar with and have had the privilege to play at NRG Stadium before. Houston welcomed us with southern hospitality when we came for preseason in 2017 and we are really looking forward to returning to see our Texan fans.”

 

Founded in 1916, Club América plays its home matches at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and has won a record 13 league titles, six Copa MX titles and six Campeón de Campeones cups. Club América’s 10 FIFA recognized club trophies are the most of any club in the Concacaf region, with a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup/Champions League titles, two Copa Interamericana titles and one Cocacaf Giants Cup.

 

“Facing a rival like Manchester City is always an exciting opportunity and we’re very thankful for the invitation,” said Santiago Baños, President of Club América. “The upcoming match on July 20 is an incredible chance for fans in the United Kingdom, United States and abroad to better get to know Mexican football, and of course this represents an amazing opportunity for the Americanistas to watch their favorite team play against an elite international opponent.”

 

The home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NRG Stadium has also hosted numerous major sporting events, including two Super Bowls, two NCAA Men’s Final Fours, Copa America Centenario, Concacaf Gold Cup and various international soccer matches the United States Women’s and Men’s National Teams, the Mexican Men’s National Team and top soccer clubs from around the world.

 

About Lone Star Sports & Entertainment

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to producing major annual college football events like the TaxAct Texas Bowl and other leading entertainment properties, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, the International Champions Cup, the 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups.

 

About Manchester City Football Club

Manchester City FC is an English Premier League club initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton. It officially became Manchester City FC in 1894 and has since then gone onto win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, seven League Championship titles, including five Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021), and six FA Cups. Manchester City FC is one of 11 clubs comprising the City Football Group and counts New York City FC and Melbourne City FC among its sister clubs.

 

Under manager Pep Guardiola, one of the most highly decorated managers in world football, the Club plays its domestic and UEFA Champions League home fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, a spectacular 55,000 seat arena that City have called home since 2003. Today, the Stadium sits on the wider Etihad Campus, which also encompasses the City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance training and youth development facility located in the heart of East Manchester. Featuring a 7,000 capacity Academy Stadium, the City Football Academy is also where Manchester City Women’s Football Club and the Elite Development Squad train on a daily basis and play their competitive home games.

 

For more information, please visit www.mancity.com.

 

About Club América

Founded on October 12, 1916, Club América is the largest and winningest soccer team in both Mexico and North America. The Eagles have secured 13 Liga MX titles, six Copa MX titles and one Liga MX Femenil. At the international level, Club América has won two Inter-American Cups and a record seven Concacaf Champions Cup/Champions League tiles. Playing its home games at the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Club América is also heavily involved in various social responsibility initiatives and activities.

 

For more information, please visit www.clubamerica.com.mx.