Tampa Bay Rowdies To Host Suncoast Invitational

Some of the biggest soccer stars in North America are coming to Tampa Bay in February to participate in the Tampa Bay Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, a brand-new preseason exhibition series unlike any the Tampa Bay area has ever hosted.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies, along with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, New York City FC, D.C. United, Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, and Toronto FC will participate in the Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, which will be played between February 17 and February 27. 

In addition to participating in the Tampa Bay Rowdies Suncoast Invitational, the Montreal Impact will hold a preseason training camp hosted by the Rowdies from February 15-28. During that time, the Impact will call Al Lang Stadium home, using the field, locker room, and gym facilities alongside the Rowdies. 

This will be the second year the Philadelphia Union will base their preseason training camp at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater.

In addition to high-level exhibition matches that will help prepare the teams for the 2016 season, the Tampa Bay Rowdies Suncoast Invitational offers Pinellas County and soccer fans throughout the Tampa Bay area the chance to see six MLS clubs in action.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these MLS teams to St. Petersburg,” Rowdies principal owner Bill Edwards said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring some of the world’s best soccer talent home to our fans. I am grateful to the City of Clearwater, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission and all involved in making this invitational a reality. I look forward to it becoming an annual soccer tradition.”

Match Schedule

Wednesday, February 17 – Al Lang Stadium
D.C. United vs Philadelphia Union, 4 p.m.
New York City FC vs Montreal Impact, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 20 – Al Lang Stadium
D.C. United vs Montreal Impact, 4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Philadelphia Union, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 24 – Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex
Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact, 4 p.m.
New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 27 – Al Lang Stadium
Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC, 4 p.m.
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Montreal Impact, 7:00 p.m.
*match schedule subject to change