FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2016
Primary Contact | Jeremy Schultz, [email protected], 559.320.2543
HIGHWAY 99 DERBY SET TO RETURN TO DOWNTOWN FRESNO’S CHUKCHANSI PARK
Fuego to host United Soccer League and potential future MLS club Sacramento Republic FC
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Fuego, four-time Southwest Division Champions in the Premier Development League (PDL), have announced today they will host an exhibition match with 2014 USL Champions Sacramento Republic FC scheduled for Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 at 6:30p.m. The match, dubbed the Highway 99 Derby, marks the second time the two teams will meet in downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park. In the inaugural February 2015 Derby the two teams ended in an exciting 2-2 draw.
“Sacramento Republic has been an inspiring professional club for the greater region; however, on March 3rd we compete. Observing and learning from the best practices they’ve developed has been a wonderful resource, as they have truly ignited the City of Sacramento through soccer,” stated Fresno Fuego GM Jeremy Schultz. “Although we acknowledge and admire their accomplishments, we are the San Joaquin Valley’s soccer team and take great pride in representing Fresno and our Central California community. We are delighted to bring an additional game to downtown Fresno and will play for the honor of our City and Club. With our own Fire Squad Fresno and Republic’s Tower Bridge Battalion supporters groups involved, there is sure to be an electric atmosphere inside Chukchansi Park. We’re extremely excited to measure ourselves in all aspects of competition against a tremendously talented Sacramento club that is on the brink of becoming the next Major League Soccer franchise.”
Fuego continues to strive to bring professional soccer to Downtown Fresno by expanding its previously announced 2016 exhibition schedule. The first two matches announced for the exhibition campaign bring Armenian Premier League side FC Ararat Yerevan and the 2015 North American Soccer League (NASL) Champions New York Cosmos to Chukchansi Park in February. All games will kick off at 6:30pm with gates opening at 5pm.
“The experience of going to Fresno is always a positive one because of their great facilities and knowledgeable football crowd,” said Sacramento Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “This is an ideal preparation for the upcoming season and one we hope will continue to be a part of Republic FC’s preseason program for years to come. The very fact that Fresno is local adds spice to the fixture and makes it feel more like a real football event.”
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Tickets for the 2016 Highway 99 Derby are included in the Fresno Fuego Season Ticket Holder package. Season ticket holders can pick up their Highway 99 Derby ticket at the Chukchansi Park box office starting Tuesday January 12, 2016 at 9am. Single and Group Tickets for the Fresno Fuego vs Sacramento Republic FC exhibition game will go on sale online Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 9 a.m. and can be purchased at the following game link: bit.ly/FuegoRepublic. Tickets will also be available at the Chukchansi Park Box Office (open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm) starting Tuesday January 12, 2016 at 9am, or by calling 1-559-320-TIXS (8497). General admission starts at $10. For those interested in Lower Reserve group tickets of 10 or more ($11 each), or luxury suites, more information is available by contacting Jordan Wiebe at [email protected] or by calling 559-320-2525.
#ForCityAndClub
ABOUT THE FRESNO FUEGO
The Fresno Fuego are four-time champions of the Southwest Division in the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid and the top level of amateur soccer in North America. Founded in 2003, the team competes in the newly-formed Central Pacific Division of the PDL Western Conference. More than 50 Fuego players have moved on to sign professional contracts. The team plays its’ home games in the heart of downtown Fresno at Chukchansi Park. Season tickets, group and birthday packages, and fundraising options for the 2016 season are currently available by contacting Jordan Wiebe at [email protected].
ABOUT SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC
Sacramento Republic FC are the 2014 USL Champions. The club hosts their home matches at Bonney Field located on the grounds of Cal Expo. Sacramento Republic FC exists to make the Sacramento region into the most inspiring, energetic and rewarding place to live, work and play. Through the world’s game, the club provides exciting, energetic and inclusive experiences to foster an indomitable movement including their efforts to procure an MLS franchise and soccer-specific stadium in The Railyards. For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com.
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