Bolton Wanderers Expand US Summer 2011 Tour To Include Tampa

Photo by John_Dobbo

FC Tampa Bay today announced that it will host Bolton Wanderers on Thursday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium. The friendly marks the first of a three-game preseason trip for the Trotters to the United States.

FC Tampa Bay season ticket holders may purchase tickets through an exclusive pre-sale beginning at 9:00 a.m. this Wednesday, June 15 by calling the FCTB ticket office at (813) 287-1539. Tickets for the general public will go on sale this Friday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets for the match will start as low as $20.

“We are all looking forward to the game at Al Lang Stadium and we know that coming up against FC Tampa Bay for our first game in our preseason schedule will be a good test for us,” said Bolton manager Owen Coyle. “The conditions and the climate are tough going so our players will really have to work hard – games like this will help to prepare us for our season ahead.”

Bolton, which has played in England’s top league for more than 70 seasons over the years, was originally founded in 1874. The Wanderers made the semifinals of the 2010-11 FA Cup and the team spent most of the 2010-11 campaign in the top 10 of the EPL, featuring U.S. Men’s National Team member Stuart Holden. Bolton recently celebrated 10 consecutive seasons in the EPL after gaining promotion to the top flight via the playoffs in 2001.

“I have told the guys all about FC Tampa Bay and how their fans love their soccer and their team,” said Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden. “We know that it will be a demanding game and that we are set for a tough match, but I am sure that the lads will receive a really warm welcome from the Tampa Bay fans.”

In addition to Bolton Wanderers, five other Premier League teams will be playing friendlies in the United States this summer: Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.