Catch Some of Europe’s Best Soccer Teams at Comerica Park
Story by Max White
Detroit is a city that continues to see soccer grow. Just take a look at Detroit City FC – and that love for soccer will bring some of Europe’s best to Detroit this July.
Crystal Palace F.C. – of the English Premier League – and Sevilla F.C. from LaLiga in Spain, will face off at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 30. It’s the first time international soccer has returned to Detroit.
In July 2017, Comerica Park hosted its first-ever soccer match between AS Roma of Serie A in Italy and Paris Saint-Germain of France’s Ligue 1.
Crystal Palace finished the Premier League season in 11th place last season, while Sevilla finished 12th in LaLiga. Sevilla also won the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League, defeating AS Roma, with wins over Manchester United and Juventus on the way to the finals.
Events Before the Match
Crystal Palace is hosting a training match at Oakland University in Rochester on Saturday, July 29, the day before the match. It will take place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and fans can register for tickets for free on the Crystal Palace website.
During the training session, fans will be able to watch Roy Hodgson’s team practice, and meet “Challenger,” who is a legendary American bald eagle who flew at major events for more than two decades.
Sevilla will host its training session at Legacy Sports in Brighton on Saturday, July 29 at 9:30 a.m.
What Players and Coaches are Saying
Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace spoke to CBS Sports Galazo and said he’s never been to Detroit or Chicago, the other city where Crystal Palace will play.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what sort of cities they are and hopefully playing two games,” he said, according to the Crystal Palace website.
Sevilla FC President José Castro said, “Playing against a quality Premier League opponent like Crystal Palace is a great opportunity. I am sure that there will be a unique atmosphere for this match. Sevilla FC is proud to visit Detroit and the United States of America and meet its fans.”
Where to go Before the Match
If you want to get a sports and soccer feel before the match, Thomas Magee’s in Eastern Market is a bar for soccer fans. While it doesn’t have food, you’ll likely find a match on the TVs and a variety of drinks.
Right next to Comerica Park is Tin Roof, which is open to all ages during the day. It’s a great spot to hang outside, try a unique drink and get a bite to eat before going to the game.
The Columbia Street Alley, right across the street from Comerica Park, also has a variety of food options. Youc an try Frita Batido’s and soe unique Cuban food, Sahara for Mediterranean, The Sugar Factor for some crazy shakes and colorful food, or Union Assembly for some delicious American fare.
Where to Stay
If you’re coming into town for the match and want to stay the night, there are several hotels just a few blocks away from Comerica Park. The Hilton Garden Inn is right down the street from one of Comerica Park’s entrances, and the Aloft Detroit hotel at the David Whitney has a great view of Comerica Park.
Other hotels within walking distance of the match include Hollywood Casino at Greektown, the Siren, Shinola Hotel and the Element.
Continue Supporting Soccer after the Match
If you want to keep supporting soccer in Detroit, be sure to check out Detroit City FC. We have a guide to their matches, which take place at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck through the fall.
Le Rouge, as the team is called, plays in the USL Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in America.
