Carolina RailHawks To Host Premier League Side West Ham United
Photo credit: Press Association
The Carolina RailHawks announced Wednesday that they will face West Ham United of the Barclays Premier League, England’s top tier of soccer, in a marquee exhibition game on Tuesday, July 12, at 8:00 p.m. ET at WakeMed Soccer Park. This will be the first time that a Barclays Premier League team will visit the Triangle.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our community to again showcase the passion for professional soccer in the Triangle to the world,” RailHawks President and GM Curt Johnson said. “We welcome the opportunity to host our first game against a Barclays Premier League club and appreciate partners such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina for helping to make this historic game a reality.”
One of the most recognizable brands in the Barclays Premier League, West Ham United Football Club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks before reforming as West Ham in 1904 and moving to their current stadium, Upton Park in London. They are one of only eight clubs to never fall below the second tier of English soccer, spending 58 of 90 seasons in the top flight. Throughout its long and storied history, West Ham has won three FA Cups in 1964, 1975, and 1980. The club has also enjoyed success on the European stage, winning a European Cup Winners Cup in 1965 and a UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999.
Currently sitting in sixth position in the Barclays Premier League standings, and on course for a UEFA Europa League spot, the Hammers are helmed by former Croatia manager Slaven Bilić and captained by long-time standout midfielder Mark Noble. The current roster also boasts several players of international fame including English international forward Andy Carroll, French international Dimitri Payet, Argentine international Manuel Lanzini, Ecuadorian international Enner Valencia, and former Chelsea player Victor Moses.
RailHawks coach Collin Clarke said: “In order to reach our goal of having world-class professional soccer in the Triangle as soon as possible, we need to see the next level up close, and this game will give our players, fans, and partners that opportunity. West Ham is a fantastic club with a growing fan base in the United States. This will be one of the marquee events of the summer, and it is another shining example of the commitment of our new local owner Steve Malik.”
The Barclays Premier League is the most popular league in the world, and this match will be a remarkable event for the Triangle. Broadcast in over 200 countries, the BPL boasts one of the largest fan bases on the planet. Having this event at WakeMed Soccer Park continues a RailHawks tradition of hosting high-profile teams from all over the world.
