European football to kick-off US Bank Stadium before Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Two big time football clubs are set to meet in Minneapolis this summer to kick off in the new stadium before the Vikings ever do. Chelsea F.C. and A.C. Milan will square off at U.S. Bank Stadium at 8:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 3. 

The International Champions Cup (ICC) was last in Minneapolis in August 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium, which hosted a match between Manchester City F.C. and Olympiacos F.C.

“We are excited to announce this inaugural event in U.S. Bank Stadium,” said Michele Kelm-Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. “The 2016 International Champions Cup match-up between Chelsea F.C. and A.C. Milan will showcase the multipurpose nature of the stadium and our ability to host many different kinds of events.  It will be fun to have a natural grass turf brought in so people can see what a great soccer venue this stadium offers.”

The 2016 ICC will run from July 23 through Aug. 13 with 10 total teams competing from six countries: England (Liverpool, Chelsea F.C., Leicester City), Italy (A.C. Milan, F.C. Internazionale), France (Paris Saint-Germain F.C.), Spain (Barcelona, Real Madrid), Germany (FC Bayern Munich) and Scotland (Celtic F.C.).

Tickets will be available through a presale opportunity beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, April 5. General tickets sales will begin at 10:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, April 12.