HAMILTON, ON, May 22, 2015 /CNW/ - As thousands prepare to watch some of the world's best soccer players compete at the Pan Am Games this summer, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) and the City of Hamilton joined the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art stadium that will play host to all 32 soccer games over a 16-day period this July.
"It has been said that soccer is the world's most popular game so I am thrilled to know that with this new venue, TORONTO 2015 Games spectators and fans will have an experience that is second to none," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer, TO2015.
Located in Hamilton's Stipley neighbourhood where the venerable Ivor Wynne Stadium formerly stood, the newly-built stadium has re-imagined the historic site where Canada held its first major international competition, the British Empire Games in 1930.
The stadium, which offers fantastic sightlines, first-class amenities and concession stands on all levels, also meets the highest standards for accessibility and the most up-to-date technical requirements of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
With flexibility at the forefront of design intent, the legacy of this investment is one that will continue to benefit the City of Hamilton for generations as a neighbourhood stadium that will host professional and amateur sports as well as cultural and community events.
Tickets for the men's final have already sold out so it's important people act fast to reserve their spot to see their favourite teams. The men's soccer competitions will be well-rounded, with top competing countries such as Canada playing at the Games for the first time since 1999. Then there are the traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay. The Canadian men's team has played in two Pan Am semifinals, both times on home soil. The Mexican team enters the tournament as defending champion while the Brazilians are four-time Pan Am gold-medal winners. Other teams in the men's tournament include Peru, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Paraguay. Canada opens with a game against Brazil on Sunday July 12 (FB003).
The competition will also be strong in the women's competitions with Canada, defending champion, and Brazil, two-time Pan Am gold-medal winners, expected to be top contenders. The two teams went head to head in a shootout in Guadalajara in 2011. Other teams in the women's tournament include Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago. Canada faces some difficult opponents including a key game against Brazil Sunday, July 19 Canada vs. Brazil (FB010).
Buying tickets to the Games
Tickets are available at www.toronto2015.org/tickets. The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games ticket program is designed to be affordable and accessible for everyone by offering:
Integrated tickets: Every event ticket will allow the holder to access transit on the day of the event.
Affordable pricing: Tickets start at just $20, with 75 per cent of tickets priced $45 and under.
Half-price tickets for persons under 16 years of age, or 65 and over: Tickets will be offered at a 50 per cent discount — some will start at $10. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so buy early.
Tickets for Parapan Am sporting events will range from $20 to $35 for adults, with a youth (under 16) and senior (65+) discount from $10 to $12.50 available, depending on the event. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so don't delay.
Easy options for buying: Tickets can be purchased online at TORONTO2015.org/tickets or at 1.855.726.2015 and internationally at 1.949.333.4824.
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors.
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with managing and delivering the Games. It is working to bring some of the world's best athletes and artists to the city of Toronto and Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.
For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).
Quotes:
David Sweet, MP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale
"These Games will give us an opportunity to showcase all that Canada has to offer, and I am especially proud to see our Government's investment in this remarkable facility—as well as the other 28 capital projects across the Games footprint—will allow Canadian athletes to train and compete at their best on home soil."
Michael Coteau, Minister Responsible for the Pan and Parapan American Games
"The 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games are an incredible opportunity to showcase Ontario to the world - our diversity, our talented athletes and our state-of-the-art infrastructure which will leave behind a lasting legacy. I'm proud that our government's investment in this brand new world-class Hamilton Stadium will help the community continue to celebrate sport for generations to come."
Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton
"It is an honour for our City to host the TORONTO 2015 Games soccer competitions and we are just as pleased that this stadium will be a place where Hamiltonians will work, play and enjoy national and international events for many years to come."
Kara Lang, retired member of the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team and CIBC Team Next mentor
"The new CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium is an incredible investment in the future of Canadian soccer that will benefit the community long after the Games are over. With thousands of soccer fans expected to visit the Stadium during the Games, many young soccer players' dreams of representing Canada will be inspired here."
Dwayne De Rosario, member of the Canadian Men's National Soccer Team and Pan Am Ambassador.
"It's a powerful feeling to wear the national kit, and an even stronger one to wear it on home soil. The excitement and energy of the Canadian fans in this stadium will be memorable. The TO2015 Games will be where fans will watch the rising stars in soccer."
SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015, 416.957.2117, [email protected]
Share this article