GET THE LOWDOWN ON Wolves and the Stateside Cup 2024
Are you ready for Wolves’ big return to the US? This summer, for the first time in 43 years, the Old Gold are heading back across the pond to compete in the Stateside Cup. They’ll join Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham United in a pre-season tournament held in Florida and Maryland.
From facing West Ham at Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium on 27th July to clashing with Crystal Palace in Annapolis on 31st July, Wolves’ US tour promises exciting matches and unique opportunities for fans. Not just about the games, this tour is a chance for Wolves to engage with their 32 official supporter clubs in the US, reigniting connections that go back decades.
Overview of the Stateside Cup
The Stateside Cup 2024 is an exciting pre-season tournament that will bring some of the best football action to the United States. Wolves, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United will face off in a series of competitive matches. Let’s dive into the details of this event.
Tournament Schedule
The Stateside Cup features three key matches spread across July and August 2024. Here are the dates and UK times for each match:
Wolves vs. West Ham United
- Date: Saturday, 27th July
- Local Time: 7pm
- UK Time: 12:00 AM
- Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Wolves vs. Crystal Palace
- Date: Wednesday, 31st July
- Local Time: 8pm
- UK Time: 1:00 AM
- Location: Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
Wolves’ Match Details
Wolves vs West Ham United: Match set for Saturday 27th July at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida, 7pm local time
Wolves will kick off their Stateside Cup campaign against West Ham United at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The match is scheduled for Saturday, 27th July at 7pm local time.
EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, is an American football stadium that serves mainly as the home ground for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. It’s also the headquarters for the professional wrestling promotions All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH). The stadium boasts a capacity of around 67,000 seats, providing ample space for fans of both football and wrestling events. Fans can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere as they cheer on their teams.
Wolves vs Crystal Palace: Match set for Wednesday 31st July at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland, 8pm local time
Four days later, on Wednesday, 31st July, Wolves will face off against Crystal Palace at the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The game kicks off at 8pm local time.
The Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, known for its rich history and passionate supporters, will serve as the perfect backdrop. Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is an open-air venue situated just outside the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It has been the home field for the Navy Midshipmen’s college football and lacrosse teams since it opened in 1959. Additionally, the stadium hosts the Military Bowl each year. It can seat up to 34,000 spectators, making it a lively spot for both fans and players.
Wolves’ Additional Fixture Against RB Leipzig
Wolves’ exciting pre-season trip to the United States will include a high-profile friendly against German side RB Leipzig. This match is not part of the Stateside Cup but is a crucial game in their preparation for the upcoming Premier League season.
Match Details: Set for Saturday 3rd August at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, Miami, Florida, 7.30pm local time
Wolves vs. RB Leipzig
- Date: Saturday, 3rd August
- Local Time: 7.30pm
- UK Time: 12:30 AM
- Location: Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, Miami, Florida
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 3rd August, as Wolves will face RB Leipzig at the stunning Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium. Kick-off is set for 7.30pm local time. This venue, with a capacity of 21,500, has hosted several high-profile teams and is perfect for this clash between Europe’s elite.
So, why is this match so significant? For Wolves, it’s not just about fitness. Playing against a top Bundesliga side like RB Leipzig provides a real test before the Premier League grind starts. It’s a chance for the players to prove themselves and for new tactics to be fine-tuned.
Wolves’ Training and Base in the US
Wolves’ pre-season US tour isn’t just about matches; they’ll be training and preparing at one of the most modern facilities around. Let’s take a closer look at what their training base in the US has to offer.
Florida Blue Training Center
Wolves will use the Florida Blue Training Center, Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art facility, as their home base during their Stateside Cup preparations. This isn’t just any facility. It’s a 50,000-square-foot training centre with top-notch amenities that make it perfect for both professional and youth players.
What makes the Florida Blue Training Center special?
- Six natural grass fields: Ideal for professional-level training, these fields offer the best surface for the athletes to practise and prepare for their matches.
- One turf field: Perfect for various weather conditions, ensuring that the team can train regardless of the weather.
- Modern amenities: With spaces for recovery, tactical meetings, and all necessary preparations, the centre is designed to meet every need of a professional football team.
The Florida Blue Training Center sits adjacent to the 19,100 capacity DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This facility has previously hosted top-tier teams like Barcelona and the US women’s national team, highlighting its world-class status.
So, why is this training base so crucial for Wolves? For one, it provides them with a familiar, professional environment to get ready for the challenging pre-season fixtures. But it also gives the team the perfect opportunity to acclimatise to the US climate, an important factor when playing in the hot summer months. Training at the Florida Blue Training Center ensures that Wolves have the best possible preparation for their Stateside Cup matches.
Fan Engagement and Supporter Activities
Wolves are not just heading to the US for a series of exciting matches, but they are also committed to connecting with their extensive fan base. The club is organising a variety of events for their supporters, ensuring that fans from all over the States have a chance to engage with the team and each other.
WHERE TO WATCH IN THE UK
Wolves fans that can’t attend will be able to watch the games on Wolves TV with individual packages priced at £4.99 each and the three-match bundle £11.99.
Wolves v West Ham will also be shown on Premier Sports 1 and Crystal Palace v Wolves on Premier Sports 2.
Conclusion
Wolves’ return to the US for the Stateside Cup 2024 is their first visit in 43 years, making it a historic moment for the club and their American fans.
We will be hosting a watchalong on our YouTube channel so feel free to join us and share your thoughts on the match in the chat.
COMING SOON
Our writer, George Lakin, is gearing up to share his insights on the Stateside Cup. He’ll discuss tactics, systems, and key players. Expect detailed analysis and plenty of Wolves content. Stay tuned!