Big East soccer will now get a chance to shine in a completely new venue.
On Friday, December 11, the Big East Conference and the New York Red Bull have announced a three-year partnership for the conference’s men’s soccer championship. This announcement provides the big match with a home at the brand new Red Bull Arena through the 2012 tournament.
“The Big East is thrilled to announce the partnership with Red Bull New York and their new world-class facility,” said Jim Siedliski, Big East associate commissioner for Olympic sports. “We feel Red Bull Arena is the ideal location to hold our men’s soccer championship, and will allow our student athletes to play in a professional atmosphere and in a major metropolitan market that embraces the sport of soccer.”
Opening on March 27, 2010, the facility based in Harrison, New Jersey will be the new stomping grounds for the Red Bull and Major League Soccer (MLS) matches. The arena seats just over 25,000 patrons and will have a much closer-to-action feel.
St. John’s coach Dave Masur could not be more thrilled with the recent announcement.
“We will be playing our tournament in the best soccer stadium in the country, in an area that is passionate about soccer and accessible to fans from all over the northeast corridor,” Masur said. “Big East soccer and our fans are big winners under this new agreement.”
St. John’s has won the Big East Tournament a record-breaking eight times since 1992 – along with being crowned champions this past season.
The Big East will hold its semifinal and championship games at the venue, with team practices before each day of competition. During next season, the Red Storm will get to experience the new facility from November 11-13.
