2017 Media Guide. The world will be here July Where will you be?

Transcription

1 2017 Media Guide The world will be here July 2017 Where will you be?

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 LETTER TO THE MEDIA 4 GENERAL INFORMATION/INFORMATION FOR WORKING MEDIA 5 TOURNAMENT INFORMATION 7 WHAT S NEW AT THE CUP 8 ABOUT THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER 9 FAMILIAR FACES AT USA CUP 10 SCHEDULE OF NOTABLE EVENTS

3 2017 Tournament Media Guide SCHWAN USA CUP th Ave. NE Blaine, MN Press, We hereby invite representatives of the media to cover Schwan s USA CUP to be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota from July 14-22, USA CUP will be celebrating its 33rd year this July. Over the course of the tournament's history, over 20,000 teams have played over 56,000 games, while millions of visitors from across the world have called Blaine home for two weeks in mid-july. USA CUP has always been a unique tournament amongst the many youth tournaments that populate the rapidly expanding U.S. youth soccer scene, mostly due to the idea that USA CUP is about more than just soccer. With a wide variety of activities ranging from our Olympic-style opening ceremonies, to the athletefriendly Grand Dance, the tournament creates memories that will last a lifetime and gives visiting athletes a chance to focus on much more than just soccer. In the ever-intensifying world of youth sports, we feel that this broad focus is one of the most important aspects of the USA CUP experience. One of the things that we hear consistently from visiting teams is that USA CUP provides a week full of experiences, both on and off the field. The opportunity for players from countries as distant as Japan and Uganda to interact with their American, Canadian and English counterparts is truly spectacular and perfectly embodies the spirit of soccer as a global game. This year s USA CUP will feature 1,168 teams from 17 states, five Canadian provinces and 15 different countries. We invite you to visit our tournament, to meet the athletes and join in this globe-spanning celebration of soccer's most basic ideals. No matter if the athletes are celebrating a win or the opportunity to travel to the tournament, the world will be here. Where will you be? Sincerely, Barclay Kruse, Media Director Mary Brickner, Media Intern Patrick Malin, Social Media Intern

4 USA CUP TEAM INFORMATION WHAT: The 33 rd Annual Schwan s USA CUP. Schwan s USA CUP is a youth soccer tournament with divisions covering boys and girls U7 through U19. We also offer a one-day adult tournament as part of our USA CUP Indoor Tournament. WHERE: The tournament will be held at the National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, Minnesota. WHEN: USA CUP Weekend Tournament July USA CUP Weeklong Tournament July WHO: 1,168 teams from 17 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 15 countries MEDIA CONTACTS: Media Center, July Barclay Kruse, Media Director (cell) bkruse@mnsports.org Mary Brickner, Media Intern (cell) mbrickner@nscsports.org Patrick Malin, Social Media Intern (cell) pmalin@nscsports.org WEBSITE: SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook Mobile Application USA CUP (iphone & INFORMATION FOR WORKING MEDIA MEDIA CENTER The media center is located on the second floor of the Welcome Center. Please report to the media center to pick up media credentials and receive updated information for the day. MEDIA CENTER HOURS July 14-22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., INTERNET CONNECTION The media center will have hard-wired Internet connections as well as a wireless network connection. The password for the media wireless Internet will be available in the media center during the tournament. CAMPUS ACCESS FOR THE MEDIA USA Cup is a free event, but we ask that working media wear media credentials at all times. USA Cup is a youth sports event and wearing credentials will prevent parents and coaches from questioning why media may be taking photographs and notes at a youth event.

5 The media center will have updated game schedules throughout the day, access to rosters, locations of the games and the times they will play, event information, golf cart transportation for media around the campus and other information as needed. NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER The National Sports Center makes up the largest contiguous soccer complex in the world with 51 fields on site. The NSC also boasts a soccer stadium that can accommodate up to 10,000 fans, the Schwan Super Rink that contains eight sheets of ice, a cycling velodrome, Welcome Center, the Sport Expo Center, an indoor sports hall with FieldTurf, as well as a dormitory with full kitchen service. Complementing the facility is the PGA Tourdesigned 18-hole Victory Links Golf Course. OPENING CEREMONIES NSC STADIUM SCHWAN s USA CUP is holding its very own Olympic-style Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the NSC Stadium. The Opening Ceremonies will include an Olympicstyle parade of teams, an appearance by the U.S. Navy s Leap Frog skydiving team, and fireworks. This is the only time in the tournament where all the players will be in the same place at once. This year s Opening Ceremonies will be followed by the sixth annual Rock the CUP celebration, featuring DJ Mad Mardigan of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, and world-renowned break dancer, Fanaka. MINNESOTA UNITED FC Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) made the leap to Major League Soccer (America s top soccer league) early in MNUFC will play three games during USA CUP, while maintaining a large presence off the pitch with activities ranging from autograph sessions to merchandise giveaways. All three games will be played at TCF Bank Stadium on campus at the University of Minnesota. MNUFC will host an international friendly against Atlas FC of Liga MX, the top Mexican soccer league, on Saturday, July, 15 at 7:30p.m. On Wednesday, July 19 at 7:00p.m., the Loons will play the Houston Dynamo and on Saturday, July 22 at 3:00p.m., Minnesota United will take on the New York Red Bulls. MEDIA OFFERINGS The NSC will be offering webcasts of all tournament games on fields U1 and U2 as well as the Opening Ceremonies. Live viewing of these webcasts will be free of charge, while HD digital downloads will be available on our website for $5. More information: usacup.org/gamecast NSCtv at USA CUP, the tournament s daily online video show, will kick off its newest season on July 14. Episodes will be presented free of charge each day throughout the tournament. NSCtv will cover human interest stories, big games and all the activities happening during the tournament. More information: nsctv-at-usa-cup The Daily Kick, USA CUP s online daily newspaper will feature full coverage of the big stores at USA CUP, and can be found in the evening of each day of the tournament at the-daily-kick Facebook Mobile Application USA CUP (iphone & Snapchat nsc_sports

6 GENERAL TOURAMENT INFORMATION REGISTERED TEAMS A full list of registered teams for the USA CUP weekend and week-long tournaments is available on the NSC website, via the following link: registered-teams-list COMPETITION FORMAT There are two tournaments within the Schwan s USA CUP format: the weekend tournament, July 14-16, and weeklong tournament, July Teams may register for either tournament or both. The vast majority of teams play in one or the other. AGE DIVISIONS U9-U19 boys and girls at each level teams will play in World Cup-style groups for round-robin pool play before being seeded into tiered single-elimination playoffs. At each age group, teams are seeded into a tiered playoff based on their records in pool play. Teams are guaranteed three games (weekend) or four games (week-long). Several years ago, Schwan s USA CUP added an indoor tournament that is designed to appeal to the age divisions that are not historically offered at USA CUP. This year, the USA CUP Indoor Tournament will be held in the Sports Hall and will offer divisions for U6-U8 and adult players. SCHWAN S HOMESTAY PROGRAM More than 75 international players will stay with Twin Cities-area families this year through the Schwan s Homestay Program. This unique program gives the hosts and guests alike the opportunity to experience the truly international language of soccer. Players from a wide-ranging selection of countries are involved in this year s program, including players from Haiti, Japan, Ecuador and Costa Rica. ECONOMIC IMPACT The economic impact of the 2017 Schwan s USA CUP is estimated at $33 million.

7 WHAT S NEW AT THE USA CUP #USACUPSOCCER USA CUP participants can share stories, photos and memories on social media and use the hashtag #USACUPSOCCER. Participants can follow USA CUP on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. The Daily Kick online newspaper and NSCtv at USA CUP will be up and running throughout the week to get tournament updates and feature stories. KICK CANCER We re kicking cancer Wednesday, July 19 at Schwan s USA CUP. For every goal scored and shutout recorded, USA CUP will donate $1 to one of four hand-picked cancer fighting organizations including Children s Cancer Research Fund, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society s Pennies for Patients, Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition and Colon Cancer Coalition. Each organization will be on site at the Hub during the event. THE HUB Due to the construction of the new Spring Lake Park School District K-4 elementary school on campus at the NSC, the Hub will be relocated to fields A3 and A4 during the 2017 USA CUP. The Hub will be the home for fun activities like sand soccer, knocker ball, Simon Says Fun inflatables, food vendors and Kick Cancer Nerf Blaster Battles MINNESOTA UNITED FC ACTIVITES Minnesota United will hold two open training sessions on field U1 (the NSC stadium) on Friday, July 14 and Thursday, July 20 from 10:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. After each practice, MNUFC players will be available to sign autographs on the field, and members of the coaching staff will hold informal Q & A sessions. MNUFC will additionally have a booth located in the Hub for the entirety of the tournament, hosting frequent soccer-related competitions. Minnesota United mascot PK will be a regular visitor to the booth for photo opportunities. On Tuesday, July 18, several Minnesota United players will appear at the MNUFC booth to sign autographs from 1:00-6:00p.m. Head Coach Adrian Heath will visit the coaches casino night on Thursday, July 20 to celebrate a successful week of play. MNUFC players may also be engaging in surprise visits to participating USA CUP teams throughout the tournament. TASTE OF THE CUP After a long day of play, players and families can fuel up on some delicious eats and treats from a variety of food trucks as part of the annual Taste of the CUP at the NSC. Taste of the CUP will feature over a dozen local food trucks and restaurants, offering a wide array of food for everyone to enjoy. INSTAGRAM SCAVENGER HUNT New to the USA CUP this year is the daily Instagram Photo Scavenger Hunt. Each morning during the USA CUP, an Instagram photo will be posted on the USA CUP Instagram page (@usacupsoccer) of a unique location on campus at the NSC. The most creative photo taken at the mystery location using the tournament hashtag, #USACUPSOCCER, will win a prize. PARKING AND TRAFFIC The NSC is very excited about the construction of the new Spring Lake Park School District elementary school on its campus, but the fenced off construction zone does result in important logistical changes to this summer s USA CUP. Visit nscsports.org for traffic and parking tips and like the NSC on Facebook for comprehensive informational articles and videos that outline the most accessible ways to navigate the NSC this summer.

8 USA CUP TEAM INFORMATION Opened in 1990, the National Sports Center was constructed by the State of Minnesota as a center for amateur athletics. A non-profit corporation, the National Sports Center Foundation (NSCF), operates the facility on a self-supporting basis. State funds were used to build many parts of the campus, but no operation subsidy is provided. And in recent years, nearly all new construction has been completed with a majority of nonstate funds, including sponsors and partnering associations. About NSC Stadium The NSC Stadium hosts Schwan s USA CUP feature games and ceremonies, national team soccer games, national championship rugby and lacrosse games, and even concerts and marching band festivals. The stadium has variable seating and standing-room configurations that can accommodate approximately 10,000 fans for soccer, and more for special events like concerts or the USA CUP Opening Ceremony. The stadium is also the training home of Minnesota United FC, which played its home NASL games at the stadium until moving to the MLS in United will play three games during USA CUP against Atlas (Guadalajara, Liga MX), Houston Dynamo, and New York Red Bulls. About the fields One of the most striking aspects of the National Sports Center is the sheer number of fields that make up the campus. The facility currently has 51 multi-purpose fields. In addition to soccer, some of the sports played on the NSC s fields include rugby, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee and youth football. The NSC has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest soccer complex in the world. The recognition plaque from Guinness is currently on display in the NSC offices. Victory Links Golf Course Perfect for coaches, parents and other visitors looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the tournament, Victory Links Golf Course is the only open-to-the-public, PGA Tour-designed golf course in the state of Minnesota. Spread out over a full 400 acres, the links-style course is perfect for both seasoned golfers and those looking to play at a more relaxed level. By the Numbers More than 1,000 volunteers contribute their time during the Schwan s USA CUP. Positions range from assisting with activities and referee transportation to field management, greeting teams at the airport and more. Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Morocco, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Pakistan, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia (USSR), Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Scotland, Sweden, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Indies, Wales, West Malaysia. Canada is the only foreign country to send a team every year. Minnesotan teams from 86 different communities are represented in 2017: Albertville, Andover, Anoka, Apple Valley, Arden Hills, Bemidji, Big Lake, Blaine, Bloomington, Brainerd, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Burnsville, Byron, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Chisago Lakes, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Delano, Duluth, Eagan, East Bethel, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Farmington, Forest Lake, Fridley, Golden Valley, Ham Lake, Hastings, Hermantown, Hopkins, Lakeville, Lindstrom, Lino Lakes, Long Lake, Mahtomedi, Mankato, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Monticello, Mound, Mounds View, New Brighton, New Hope, New Prague, North Branch, North Oaks, Oak Grove, Orono, Otsego, Owatonna, Pine Island, Plymouth, Princeton, Prior Lake, Ramsey, Richfield, Rochester, Rogers, Rosemount, Roseville, St. Anthony, St. Cloud, St. Francis, St. Louis Park, St. Michael, St. Paul, Sartell, Shakopee, Shoreview, Stillwater, Waconia, Watertown, Wayzata, West St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Winona, Woodbury, and Zimmerman. 17 states are represented in 2017: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. 5 Canadian provinces represented in 2017: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. 15 countries are represented in 2017: Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Haiti, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Sweden, Uganda, and United States. Over 20,000 teams have played over the last 32 years. NSC has 51 full size fields on campus. Due to reconfiguring fields for short-sided games for younger age groups, USA CUP teams will play on 69 fields throughout the weekend tournament and 62 fields during the weeklong tournament. 2,607 games will be played during USA CUP clubs have played all 33 years, all Minnesota clubs: Blackhawks SC, Blaine SC, Burnsville Fire SC, Coon Rapids Soccer Assn., Eagan Traveling Soccer, North Suburban Soccer Assn., Northern Lights (Anoka) SC, St. Croix SC, Valley United SC and White Bear SC. 67 foreign countries have played in Schwan s USA CUP over the years: Albania, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China,

9 FAMILIAR FACES AT USA CUP Famous USA CUP Alumni Zlatan Ibrahimovic Swedish National Team and Manchester United, English Premier League Taylor Twellman ESPN Analyst, former MLS and U.S. National Team player Tony Sanneh Former MLS and U.S. National Team player Manny Lagos Current Minnesota United FC Sporting Director, former MLS and U.S. National Team player Leslie Osborne Former U.S. Women s National Team player Brianna Scurry Former U.S. Women s National Team player Aya Sameshima Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Saki Kumagai Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Asuna Tanaka Japanese Women s National Team, 2011 Women s World Cup Champion Brent Kallman Minnesota United FC, MLS Ismaila Jome Minnesota United FC, MLS Niklas Backman Dalian Aerbin, Danish Superliga Mario Aparicio Former Toronto FC, MLS Eric Miller Colorado Rapids, MLS Teal Bunbury New England Revolution, MLS Celebrity Guest Appearances at USA CUP in Past Years Pelé Most famous soccer player in history Samuel Eto o Cameroon International currently playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor Landon Donovan Former U.S. National Team and MLS star Roberto Donadoni Former Italy National Team coach Sergio Arturo Bernal Hernandez Former Mexican National Team player Hugo Perez Former U.S. National Team and NASL and MISL professional player Michelle Akers Former U.S. National Team Natasha Kai Former U.S. National Team Thori Staples Former U.S. National Team International Team Appearances in Past Years U.S., Canada, Norway, Australia and Sweden Women's National Teams U.S. Under 17 Boys National Team Ecuador Under 17 Boys National Team Professional Team Appearances in Past Years Major League Soccer Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City, LA Galaxy, Montreal Impact, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers International Squads Tottenham Hotspur (English Premier League) Academy Team, Burnley (England Championship), Cruz Azul (Mexico Primera) Academy Team, CSD Cumunicaciones (Guatamala Liga Nacional), Dorados de Sinaloa (Mexico Liga de Ascenso), Guadalajara Chivas (Mexico Primera), Swansea City AFC (English Premier League), Club Leon (Liga MX), AFC Bournemouth (English Premier League)

10 SCHEDULE OF NOTABLE EVENTS FRIDAY, JULY 14, :30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. MN UNITED FC OPEN TRAINING, AUTOGRAPH SESSION, COACHES Q&A NSC STADIUM SATURDAY, JULY 15, :30p.m. 9:30 p.m. MN UNITED FC V. ATLAS FC (LIGA MX) TCF BANK STADIUM SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2017 All day WEEKEND TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 6:00 9:00 p.m. MINNESOTA LYNX GAME V. PHOENIX MERCURY TARGET CENTER MONDAY, JULY 17, :10 10:10 p.m. MINNESOTA TWINS GAME V. NEW YORK YANKEES TARGET FIELD TUESDAY, JULY 18, :30 9:30 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY NSC STADIUM WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2017 ALL DAY KICK CANCER THE HUB 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. KICK CANCER NERF BLASTER BATTLES THE HUB 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. INNOVATION LA FREESTYLERS THE HUB PERFORMANCES AT THE SPORT EXPO CENTER 11:00 A.M. AND 2:00 P.M. 7:00 9:00 p.m. MN UNITED V. HOUSTON DYNAMO TCF BANK STADIUM THURSDAY, JULY 20, :30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. MN UNITED FC OPEN TRAINING, AUTOGRAPH SESSION, COACHES Q&A NSC STADIUM 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. INNOVATION LA FREESTYLERS THE HUB PERFORMANCES AT THE SPORT EXPO CENTER 11:00 A.M. AND 2:00 P.M. 2 3 p.m. (U9-U13 boys & girls) 3 4 p.m. (U14-U19 boys & girls) TONY SANNEH FOUNDATION YOUTH SOCCER CLINIC TBD SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2017 All day USA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES 3:00 5:00 p.m. MN UNITED V. NEW YORK RED BULLS TCF BANK STADIUM