Major League Soccer preps EverBank Field debut

Major League Soccer will make its debut at EverBank Field on Feb. 15 when Philadelphia Union plays Montreal Impact in an exhibition match.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with a youth clinic featuring players from both teams for the first 500 kids in attendance beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Florida Blue Practice Fields.

“Our goal is to create an exciting, family-friendly experience to expand the City of Jacksonville’s sports and entertainment portfolio,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “This debut match of our three-year agreement with the Philadelphia Union is another great step that we, as a city, are taking to generate buzz and bring new energy to the Downtown area.”

A limited number of field seats will be available for the game, starting at $150.  Fans will be able to purchase those tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office.

“We are excited to announce Philadelphia Union’s opponent and look forward to a great match to wrap up a big week of soccer in Jacksonville,” said Sports & Entertainment Executive Director Alan Verlander.  “In working with the Union, we are able to offer this unique opportunity to the soccer fans of Jacksonville. It is a chance to be as close as possible to the action without being in the game.”

The premium seating experience for the match is the Field Pass for $150, but club seats are available for $21 and seats outside the club are on sale for $15.  Group tickets are available by calling the Arena box office at 904-630-3600.