When BBVA Compass Stadium opened on May 12, 2012, the city of Houston new that great things would be in store for the downtown gem. Eight months later, the city was treated to an undefeated Dynamo campaign, a World Cup qualifier for Mexico's El Tri and a stop by the Olympic gold-medal winning U.S. women's national team.
With today's announcement that BBVA Compass Stadium will host a U.S. men's national team match in January, Houstonians are in store for one more treat.
"I think it's great that we are going to have the U.S. men's national team make its debut at BBVA Compass Stadium" Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. "BBVA Compass Stadium is a beautiful stadium in one of the best soccer markets in the country."
The USMNT is 1-0-2 all-time in Houston. The squad was last here in 2011 when they defeated Panama 1-0 in the semifinals of the Gold Cup at Reliant Stadium. With the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying Hexagonal schedule announced last month, fans will wonder if BBVA Compass Stadium will be on the list of venues selected by US Soccer as a potential host city.
"Hopefully, this match is the start of a long relationship between the city of Houston, BBVA Compass Stadium and US Soccer in making it a frequent home for U.S. national team matches," added Canetti.
There is no timetable for when the squad for the January camp and friendly will be announced. Historically, the January camp has been very MLS heavy with some players mixed in who play in Scandinavia.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. CT through ussoccer.com, by calling 1-888-929-7849, and at the BBVA Compass Stadium ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Groups of 20 or more can obtain an order form at ussoccer.com or call 312-528-1290.
