Real Madrid – FC Barcelona could and should meet in new Las Vegas stadium this summer
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona played a thrilling match in front of a soldout crowd in the International Champions Cup three years ago in Miami, Florida. Now, the ICC organizers want to have another El Clasico in the United States, this time in Las Vegas.
It’s always a spectacle when Barca and Real go toe-to-toe. Whether in the league, Champions League, or friendlies, the world takes notice and comes out to watch each and every minute.
That was the case when the two Spanish rivals clashed in the Hard Rock Stadium in 2017. Barca managed a 3-2 win as both teams played their stars in front of a rambunctious crowd that was packed into every seat well before the match got underway.
It was – in essence – the Super Bowl of soccer for North American fans. People from across the Western Hemisphere flocked to South Florida to get a glimpse of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Luis Suarez, and Toni Kroos.
Thankfully, those same fans who made the trip to Miami and those who missed out will have the chance to see these two historic clubs go at it again in the US. According to a report from The Washington Post, the International Champions Cup is planning on Real Madrid and Barcelona meeting in the preseason tournament once again, but the site of the big match has yet to be decided.
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There are two options that are leading the way. The first is in Las Vegas, Nevada at the not-yet-completed Allegiant Stadium. The future home of the NFL’s Raiders is nearing completion and the first event in the nearly $2 billion facility could be El Clasico.
The second option for the match is another brand-new stadium; the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, California will be the home of the Chargers and Rams come this fall and the owners are competing with Vegas to have its first event in the venue be this match.
I personally think the match should take place in Las Vegas. The bright lights, fanfare, and the spectacle that is the Sin City is a perfect background to a firey rivalry like this one. It honestly doesn’t matter where in the country the match takes place. The true Real Madrid and Barca fans will show out and spend the money to see their team.
Plus, Real Madrid seems to play in Los Angeles every time they travel to the United States, so why not change it up a little bit and let the locals of Vegas enjoy?
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“We are always exploring compelling matches, but at this time, no ICC matches are finalized,” Ben Sosenko of Relevent Sports Group told the press earlier this week. So, first, get the match finalized and make sure both clubs are okay with it.
Then and only then do you look into booking a venue. But, opening Allegiant Stadium with El Clasico is a dream scenario for fans of the game and for the city of Las Vegas.