We're receiving a growing number of hits, searches and inquiries relative to tickets and events for Newcastle United's three-match US tour coming up in late July. Here's the latest.
NEWCASTLE UNITED AT SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Kickoff: Wednesday, July 20, 7:30 p.m. at Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kansas.
Tickets: Still available in the Newcastle United away supporters' section (currently being sold in Section 123, corner of East Stand); click here and use TOON as the access code.
Pre-match/Post-match: The new US supporters' club Toon Army America is arranging events the night before and after the game at Johnny's Tavern Power & Light District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas). For more details as the match approaches, go to Toon Army America's site and register. We are working on an I Wish I Was A Geordie tailgate for Newcastle United fans immediately before the match; watch here for details.
Where to stay: This is a tricky one. The stadium is in Kansas City, Kansas, relatively distant ($54 cab ride *each way*) from vibrant downtown Kansas City, which is on the Missouri side. Toon Army America has been working on a hotel partnership but details are still being ironed out. Your blog hosts are splitting the difference by staying in downtown Kansas City on Monday and Tuesday nights, and moving out to Kansas on Wednesday night.
NEWCASTLE UNITED AT ORLANDO CITY LIONS
Kickoff: Saturday, July 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida.
Tickets: Available in the Newcastle away supporters sections (111 and 112). Toon Army America has arranged a discount ($25 price) for NUFC fans if you order your tickets by phone through Alex at (407) 536-5146; discount not available online.
Pre-match/Post-match: Events are still in the works from Toon Army America. I Wish I Was A Geordie will not be in Orlando, sad to say; we couldn't make that work between the other two matches.
Where to stay: The Rose and Plaza Hotel, (800) 627-8258, has a special rate for soccer fans: ask for the Orlando City soccer rate.
NEWCASTLE UNITED AT COLUMBUS CREW
Kickoff: Tuesday, July 26, 7:30 p.m. at Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
Tickets: Discounted tickets ($17) in the Newcastle away supporters sections (114-115, south end) are still available; click here and use tooncolumbus as the access code, or contact our man at the Crew, Nick White, at (614) 447-4153 or [email protected].
Pre-match/Post-match: Nick says a popular place for fans to gather within walking distance of Crew Stadium before and after matches is the Fourth Street Patio. That's where we'll be, and Toon Army America is working on possible events there before and after the game.
Where to stay: The Crew has a special rate at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus; use MLSFAN as the access code. Crew Stadium itself is north of downtown, near the Ohio State University campus.
Watch here for more details as they become available, and hope to see you on tour!
I've attended lots of matches at Crew stadium in the past and have always tailgated. I emailed the Crew today asking about tailgating and was told it's full on just like the first match in 1999!
Posted by: Jeff | 06/24/2011 at 02:15 PM
Duly noted, Jeff. We'll check it out and let everyone know if tailgate plans materialize for Columbus.
Posted by: Bob | 06/24/2011 at 04:32 PM
Any news on the VIP passes for KC?
Posted by: Muaz Abdul-Halim | 06/25/2011 at 11:57 AM
The heat in Kanas will be a huge factor in the game
Posted by: Carl | 07/17/2011 at 03:14 PM
Being a Geordie, born and brought up in Gateshead, I was sorely disappointed that "wor lads" did not come out to God's country, California.
It was not until this time that I even knew that they would be playing here.
I have great memories of seeing them play in cup finals against Blackpool and Arsenal in the early 50s.
I saw them play over here years ago, when they played on artificial turf for the first time
If they were to return and it wasn't too far, I wouldn't mind gannin doon to watch them play.
Pat
Posted by: Pat O'Brien | 09/15/2011 at 01:28 PM