FA Cup officially heading to Miami to 'connect' to US fans as statement released
The FA Cup will be shown across Miami as an official statement confirmed a plan to 'connect' with American fans.
With more and more football fans from across the world engaging with and following English teams, viewership of the Premier League is higher than ever.
Last season the Premier League officially confirmed that they 546,000 viewers watched the English top flight per TV match window, breaking the record previously set in 2015/16.
Of course, this naturally leads to American fans tuning in to watch the other competitions involving English teams, but the Football Association are hoping to increase this further by showing off the FA Cup in Miami.
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As part of a plan to help grow the competition in America, the FA Cup trophy will be displayed in Miami for ten days starting this week to celebrate of football’s oldest national knockout tournament.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who finished his carrer playing for MLS side Tampa Bay Rowdies, will be accompanying the FA Cup during the tour to speak about his experiences winning the trophy on two occasions.
“The Emirates FA Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in England and around the world, so to win it twice meant the world to me,” Cole said in a statement announcing the tour.
“I’m excited to partner with Emirates and the FA to bring the excitement of this famous competition to soccer fans in the Sunshine State.”
American Fans will be able can meet Cole and see the FA Cup trophy in person as they tour across Miami at various various sporting and entertainment events, including the Chase Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium.
“The U.S. represents one of the most exciting and highly-engaged soccer fan bases in the world,” added James Gray, commercial director at the FA.
“By bringing the Emirates FA Cup to Miami, it provides us with an opportunity to give something back to the wonderful football community who have helped to grow the game while providing a platform for younger fans to be inspired by the magic of this historic competition."
The tour will finish with a pair of watch parties at the Temple House for two FA Cup quarter-final matches, Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth vs Manchester City.
Ben McCrum