• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Soccer’s U.S. Surge: FC Barcelona-Real Madrid Draws Record at AT&T Stadium

  • The 82,026 fans are the most ever for an El Clásico match on U.S. soil, and the most for a AT&T Stadium soccer game.
  • Sixth Street organized the match as part of the investment firm’s U.S. Soccer Champions Tour featuring top European teams.
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid in Texas.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday’s friendly between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid drew 82,026 fans at AT&T Stadium, the highest-attended soccer match ever at the Dallas venue. The game ended in a 3-0 Barcelona victory and is yet another indication of soccer’s growing U.S. popularity. 

It was also the most attendance for an El Clásico match on U.S. soil. The historic La Liga rivalry has now been played three times in the U.S. after last summer’s match at Allegiant Stadium and the inaugural 2017 match at Hard Rock Stadium, the new home of Lionel Messi

Private equity giant Sixth Street, which invested in FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, organized El Clásico at AT&T Stadium for the firm’s Soccer Champions Tour. The eight-game summer tour includes U.S. exhibition matches between Juventus, AC Milan, Arsenal, and Manchester United, played through August 2.

AT&T’s Stadium’s record-setting night could also send a message to FIFA supporting the venue’s chances to host the 2026 World Cup Final. Dallas, New York/New Jersey, and Los Angeles are considered favorites to host the final. 

Sixth Street’s other sports investments include its stakes in the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and Northern California NWSL expansion club Bay FC.

Coinciding with Sixth Street’s Soccer Champions Tour has been the Premier League’s Summer Series, another U.S.-based tournament between European powerhouses that debuted this year. The eight-day inaugural EPL series occurred across five U.S. stadiums from July 22-30, featuring clubs Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Fulham, and Newcastle United.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NWSL Signs First College Player Since Abolishing Draft

The new era of true free agency in the NWSL has arrived.

Inside Cosm’s Plans for a Fourth Location—and Beyond

The downtown Detroit site will add to the city’s sports and entertainment district.

LaLiga Might Finally Get Its U.S. Regular-Season Game

LaLiga’s long-running drive to play in America could be fulfilled soon.
Apr 20, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF defender Sergio Busquets (5) celebrates with forward Lionel Messi (10) after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the first half at Chase Stadium.

Lionel Messi Remains MLS Salary King As Playoffs Begin

Messi’s total 2024 compensation from Inter Miami is $20,446,667.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.

NBA GMs Rank Salary-Cap Apron As Rule That Needs to Change Most

Schedule changes finished second with 17% of the vote.
Sponsored

Mastercard’s Foodies & Fairways: Where Golf Meets Gourmet at the TOUR Championship

This year’s TOUR Championship in Atlanta isn’t just about world-class golf—it’s also a celebration of local flavors.
September 8, 2024

US Open Breaks Attendance Record

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner beat No. 12 Taylor Fritz in straight sets Sunday.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
July 18, 2024

Loyal WNBA Fans Hit With Enormous Season-Ticket Price Hikes

Some season-ticket holders are seeing their prices doubled.
July 16, 2024

CONMEBOL, Hard Rock Stadium Continue Trading Blame Over Copa Disaster

Each blames the other for the security madness at Sunday’s final.
July 15, 2024

Colombian Soccer Federation President Arrested in Copa Madness

The 71-year-old on the FIFA Council was arrested alongside his son.
July 12, 2024

Oakland Minor League Baseball Team Experimenting With Fan Ownership

The Ballers say more than 1,000 people have registered interest.