JACKSONVILLE, Fla -
Saturday afternoon, the city of Jacksonville and Everbank Field will be on the world stage once again.
The Florida Cup soccer matches in Jacksonville between two soccer clubs from Brazil and two from Germany will be televised worldwide.
Thousands of fans are expected at Everbank Field today for the two international friendlies.
The first match starts at 1 p.m. between Germany's Bayer Leverkusen and Corinthians from Brazil. At 3:30, FC Koln takes Fluminense.
'Soccer has over the last few years become such an emerging sport in our city. Kudos to Mark Frisch. He deserves a lot of credit for propelling us. The Jaguars have been a major part of that,' said Alan Verlander, executive director of the Jacksonville Sports Council.
'On the sports side, everyone is working together to show what sports really work in Jacksonville. We know college and professional football work, we know soccer is working too.'
The Jacksonville sports Council has worked hard in their short time of existence to bring major events like this to our area. Bringing an event that will be televised in over 100 countries into over 200 million households worldwide is exactly the kind of opportunity the group is looking for.
'A lot of people bring their events to Jacksonville and that's a testimony to the hard work and the foundation that has been laid by all of the sports leaders in town'
The field is just about ready. Both teams already in town ready to finish 2015's Florida Cup.
All of the upgrades to Everbank Field, already paying dividends in the drawing major events.
'The fans are going to come here, they have never seen video boards like this. They have never seen capacities like this at other soccer mediums,' Verlander said.
'They are going to come in here and be blown away not only by the graciousness of our staff, but the amenities will provide a first class experience.'
Tickets for the soccer matches are still available.
Title : Soccer to showcase Jacksonville on world stage
Description : JACKSONVILLE, Fla - Saturday afternoon, the city of Jacksonville and Everbank Field will be on the world stage once again. The Florida C...