Boise, ID (7/25/18)— International Arena Soccer returns to Boise this summer, when the US National Arena Soccer Team welcomes three other international squads to CenturyLink Arena for a tournament on turf on August 17th and 18th presented by Delta Dental of Idaho.
Team USA, playing in Boise for the second consecutive summer, welcomes Team Mexico, Team Colombia, and Team Somalia for a series of friendlies in the Treasure Valley.
“Last year was such a tremendous experience for our city and for the Treasure Valley soccer community that we were eager to bring arena soccer back again, and to make it an even bigger spectacle this time around,” said CenturyLink Arena General Manager Eric Trapp. “It’s going to be fast-paced and competitive, and fans are going to see some of the best arena players from around the world.”
The tournament-style weekend will begin on Friday the 17th with Team Mexico taking on Team Colombia at 5:30pm, followed by Team USA facing Team Somalia at 7:30pm. On Saturday the 18th, the losers of the Friday matches will square off for third place at 5:00pm while the Friday winners play at 7:00pm for the tournament championship.
Rosters for all four teams will be released in the coming weeks.
Arena soccer is high-scoring and incorporates many elements familiar to hockey. The playing surface is surrounded by the boards and glass used during Steelheads games, players change on the fly, and some penalties will result in man-advantage situations.
Last August, CenturyLink Arena hosted its first-ever arena soccer game in front of a sold-out crowd, when the US National Arena Soccer Team hosted Team Brazil. Stephen Basso scored the lone goal for the US in a 5-1 loss to Brazil.
Tickets are now on sale starting at $20, with each ticket good for a ‘doubleheader’ of soccer action with admission to both games on that day. For tickets and information, contact the CenturyLink Arena Box Office at 331-TIXS or visit centurylinkarenaboise.com.