ORLANDO, FL – Relevent Sports and Visit Orlando today announced a hallmark, multi-year partnership for the International Champions Cup, the first time the premier global summer soccer tournament has officially aligned with a destination tourism organization.
Visit Orlando will be the exclusive “US Tourism Partner” for the International Champions Cup and Orlando will receive global broadcast coverage, event exposure and extensive publicity and social media coverage.
The partnership includes significant advance destination exposure for Orlando, visibility throughout all city matches of the tournament, a Visit Orlando promotion for fans to win an authentic game ball from each ICC match, and – as another first for Orlando – an agreement for one of the premier matches to be held in Orlando in 2017 and 2018.
Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, and a globally recognized destination brand, is fast becoming known as a sports destination with an array of new world-class venues and events.
The International Champions Cup is one of the most innovative and exciting tournaments in the world, and has featured the best clubs – including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool – playing in the most iconic venues such as the Rose Bowl, Yankee Stadium and Wembley Stadium, among others. The International Champions Cup has had global reach with matches in more than 35 cities, 11 countries and four continents. The 2016 tournament hosted nearly 800,000 attendees (+23% YOY) and entertained 70M global television viewers (+26% YOY). In 2017, the International Champions Cup will once again be broadcast on ESPN in the United States.
The matches in Orlando will take place at Camping World Stadium, a recognized venue known for hosting premier events and games across a wide variety of leagues, including the NFL and MLS. The addition of the ICC match will further establish the tournament’s presence while creating an exciting experience for stakeholders and fans.
“Orlando is one of the premier destinations in the world for both tourism and sporting events, so partnering with Visit Orlando is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Charlie Stillitano, Chairman of Relevent Sports. “Adding another elite partner to our growing roster demonstrates how far the ICC has come in just four short years and that cities understand the global awareness and impact hosting an ICC game offers. Orlando is the top tourist destination in the United States, and the ICC is the premium football competition in the country, so we are preparing for a world-class match with an incredible atmosphere.”
“We are thrilled to have forged this unique global partnership that includes bringing this iconic event to Orlando,” said George Aguel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Orlando. “The ICC tournament attracts the most recognized teams in soccer, and its global influence will further reinforce Orlando as a premier destination where sports fans can also visit with families and take advantage of all that a vacation here has to offer.”
The full line-up of teams, venues and dates for the 2017 International Champions Cup will take place during a national press event next spring.
