For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-992-0687
dbray@stlouissports.org

ST. LOUIS LANDS SOCCER’S 2001 UNDER-17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

ST. LOUIS — Jan. 25, 2001 — The U.S. Soccer Federation today awarded its 2001 Under-17 World Championship Qualifying Tournament to St. Louis. Saint Louis University will host the event at Robert R. Hermann Stadium April 18-22. The four-team Group A qualifying tournament will feature the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team, as well as Canada and the second-place teams from CONCACAF’s Central and Caribbean Zones. The teams will play in a six-game round-robin tournament in which only the first place finisher will advance to the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Trinidad & Tobago in September.

"We’re delighted that St. Louis is getting a shot to host this prestigious event and remain in the national and international soccer spotlight," said Frank Viverito, president of the St. Louis Sports Commission, which put together the bid to host the tournament. "Our community has such a rich soccer tradition, and because its ties to the sport are so strong, it’s very rewarding for our region to serve as host of the Under-17 Championship Qualifier. We look forward to watching the world’s most talented players compete in St. Louis and we’re eager to showcase Hermann Field — one of our area’s great soccer venues."

Formerly the Billiken Sports Center, Robert R. Hermann Stadium has become one of the top collegiate soccer facilities in the nation. With a capacity of 6,050, the stadium includes concession stands, locker rooms, press facilities and a rooftop area for press cameras. Its playing surface is considered one of the best in the country.

"We are tremendously honored to host the Under-17 teams at our new soccer facility on campus," said Saint Louis University Director of Athletics Doug Woolard. "Not only does it allow Robert R. Hermann Stadium and the Saint Louis University campus to be showcased to a national soccer audience, but also on an international level as well."

U.S. Soccer Secretary General Dan Flynn said, "With three match dates, the scrutiny of the international press, and the need to create a positive home atmosphere for our Under-17 team, it was important to find a soccer environment with a first-rate facility and a strong infrastructure behind it to stage this type of week-long event."

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team program is coming off its most successful World Championship campaign. The squad finished in fourth place at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Championship in New Zealand. U.S. Soccer has previously staged a number of events in St. Louis in the past. Seven Men’s National Team matches and two U.S. Women’s games have been played at different area venues dating back to 1957. Of the seven men’s matches, three were World Cup qualifying games.

Tickets for the 2001 Under-17 World Championship Qualifying Tournament in St. Louis go on sale Jan. 31 at all St. Louis area Ticketmaster outlets, including Schnucks and Famous Barr locations, or by calling Ticketmaster at 314-241-1888 or 618-222-2900. Advance one-day doubleheader tickets may be purchased for $10 general admission and $15 reserved. Series strips to all three match dates may also be purchased in advance for $24 general admission and $45 reserved. For more information, contact U.S. Soccer’s U-17 ticket hotline at 312-528-1217.