The Florida Cup, the largest international sporting event held each year in the Sunshine State, and the University of Central Florida today announced that the home of the Knights – UCF’s Bright House Networks Stadium – will be one of the host venues for the 2017 Florida Cup.

The event will take place Jan. 7 – 21, 2017 across several venues throughout Florida, with BHNS hosting multiple matches including the final on Jan. 21. Commencing immediately after the conclusion of UCF’s home football schedule, BHNS will undergo enhancements along the corners of the playing area to extend the turf and create a full size regulation soccer pitch for the Florida Cup and future soccer events.

In addition, Florida Cup officials announced the following initial participating teams in the tournament:

·       SC Corinthians Paulista (BRA) – The Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, or simply Corinthians, is one of Brazil’s most popular clubs. Its fans are known as "Fiel", which means loyal, and is composed of approximately 30 million people. Founded in 1910, Corinthians is Brazil’s Serie A defending champion and 2012 FIFA World Club Champion, defeating EPL side Chelsea. This will be Corinthians’ third appearance in the Florida Cup.

·       Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) – Bayer 04 Leverkusen is a German club founded in 1904. Since 1979, the club has been a part of the Bundesliga, Germany’s first division. The club has also continuously qualified and competed in the UEFA Champions League, securing their place in the 2016-2017 edition, the highest profile club soccer competition in the world. This will be Bayer’s third appearance in the Florida Cup.

·       Barcelona Sporting Club (ECU) – Barcelona is the most successful football team in Ecuador, having won the Serie A title a record 14 times, most recently in 2012, and leading the championship this season. They are also the first Ecuadorian club to make it to the Copa Libertadores finals, having done so twice. Barcelona was founded on May 1, 1925, by Eutimio Pérez, a Spanish immigrant who named the club after his home city of Barcelona. This will be Barcelona’s debut in the Florida Cup.

Additional teams from around the globe will be announced in the coming weeks.

“BHNS was designed to host first class sporting events, and hosting the Florida Cup opens new doors for exciting future opportunities for UCF,” said UCF Athletic Director Danny White.  “We will make additional investments to create a first class playing surface for all Florida Cup events, and will position BHNS as a premium venue for hosting big-time sporting events in Central Florida. We are thrilled to partner with the Florida Cup and look forward to a successful tournament.”

“This is an exciting moment for the growth of the Florida Cup in Central Florida and we are proud to partner with UCF,” said Florida Cup CEO Ricardo Villar. “Broadcast live in over 170 countries, the Florida Cup is the largest international sporting event held in Central Florida every year. Global clubs from four continents, including the world’s biggest soccer countries – Germany and Brazil – will face each other at the highest levels of competition. World renowned stars like Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and others will showcase their talent in Orlando, and at the University of Central Florida.”

Villar continued, “The Florida Cup secures the City Beautiful’s reputation as a leading global soccer destination by building upon the passionate fan base for the city’s professional teams. More importantly, the tournament also delivers annual significant economic benefits to the community, and substantial international awareness around the globe.”

The tournament will feature two distinct formats in 2017:

·       FC Challenge – A Davis Cup-modeled competition similar to the format during the Florida Cup’s debut in 2015, with Clubs representing Countries, each vying for points to secure the tournament title for their home nation. This phase will occur from Jan. 7 – Jan. 14.

·       FC Playoff – A single-elimination round of international teams where only one remaining champion will thrive. This phase will occur from Jan. 15 – Jan 21.

Through community partnerships, the Florida Cup will bring a festival atmosphere and activities to Orlando designed to engage all sports fans, the details of which will be announced in the coming weeks. Over 10,000 international visitors are expected to travel to the City Beautiful again, representing over 36,000 room nights to the community.  The Florida Cup has grown from four teams from two countries in its first year, to over ten teams from four continents – creating a truly global tournament. The event’s roster of sponsors represents global brands and local businesses, all aligned to bring the very best soccer talent to Central Florida.

Information and article provided by UCF Athletics.