REGINA — The beautiful game is coming back to Regina.
That is the word from the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), who announced Wednesday they are hosting a soccer friendly at Mosaic Stadium of international U23 teams.
The game kicks off Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. and will feature the U23 teams of Sunderland Association Football Club and Toronto FC.
Sunderland, whose nickname is the Black Cats, plays in England’s Sky Bet Championship, which is the third tier of English soccer. The U23 Toronto FC II plays in the MLS Next Pro league.
The contest coincides with opening night of the Queen City Ex, with entrance to the Ex included with the game ticket.
The game comes during an exciting time for soccer fans in Saskatchewan, on the heels of Canada’s national team qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year.
The last international friendly held at Mosaic Stadium was in July 2017 between Valencia and the New York Cosmos, a game that was a big hit with Saskatchewan soccer fans.
“The last friendly match we held here was incredible,” said Tim Reid, president and CEO of REAL, in a news release.
“Soccer is a global sport that transcend borders and unites so much of our world. The opportunity to see this happen again in our community may just be what we all need at this time.”
“We are excited a soccer friendly match is coming back to Regina,” said Regina Mayor Sandra Masters in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming spectators and athletes to our city and delivering an exceptional fan experience at Mosaic Stadium this summer.
Tickets will go for between $18 to $65, plus applicable fees and taxes, and will be on sale starting June 3 at 10 a.m. at the Ticketmaster website.
