International Champions Cup bringing European soccer to Comerica Park, per reports
By Zac Snyder
Comerica Park is set to be announced as a site for the 2017 International Champions Cup, hosting a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Roma on July 19.
News of a return of the International Champions Cup to Michigan broke last month when a French newspaper reported that Paris Saint-Germain and AS Roma would play a July 19 game in Detroit.
Where that would actually take place had been a mystery. Michigan Stadium had played host to two previous ICC matchups, drawing crowds of over 100,000 in 2014 and 2016. While not in Detroit, as the report specifically mentioned, Michigan Stadium would have been a logical fit given the history, size of the stadium and crowds, and position in the region. However, the date conflicts with the Ann Arbor Art Fair, taking the stadium out of the picture.
Ford Field is in the midst of the recently announced $100 million renovation and won’t be hosting events over the summer as a result.
Officials from Olympia Entertainment denied, or at least wouldn’t confirm, any involvement with a soccer match last month following the French report. They are now ready to confirm Comerica Park as the site of the July 19 match.
Media advisories featuring the ICC logo went out this afternoon from the Detroit Tigers for a “major announcement” to be announced outside Comerica Park.
The July 19 date comes during the Tigers’ first full week back from the All-Star break but falls during a road trip, giving the grounds crew time to prepare the field for soccer then convert it back for baseball.
The U.S. portion of the International Champions Cup will featured European Clubs Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, Manchester United, Manchester City and AS Roma. The July 19 game at Comerica Park will be the first game of the tour.