In a major development for both American football and international tourism, four of England’s top-flight football clubs—AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham United—are set to travel to the United States for the much-anticipated Premier League Summer Series 2025. This event promises to enhance the already thriving soccer tourism industry in the US and provide football fans with an unparalleled pre-season experience featuring world-class matches across three iconic US cities—New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta.
What to Expect from the Premier League Summer Series 2025
Taking place from July 26 to August 3, 2025, the Premier League Summer Series will see each participating club play a total of three matches. The fixtures will kick off on July 26 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Everton will face AFC Bournemouth, while Manchester United squares off against West Ham United. The matches in New Jersey are expected to draw large crowds, as the stadium is a renowned venue for major sports events.
On July 30, Soldier Field in Chicago will host the next round of games, with Everton meeting West Ham and Manchester United taking on AFC Bournemouth. Soldier Field, known for its deep football legacy, will be another crucial stop on this exciting tour. The series will conclude on August 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Bournemouth will face West Ham, and Manchester United will meet Everton in the final doubleheader. Fans attending the event will only need to purchase one ticket to watch both matches in a session, making it an excellent value for spectators.
This year’s series follows the success of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series in 2023, which marked a historic milestone by hosting a pre-season tournament on US soil for the first time. That event in Atlanta saw a crowd of more than 70,000 spectators, with matches between Newcastle United, Chelsea, Brentford, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Impact on Soccer Tourism and the US Football Market
The Premier League Summer Series is not just about pre-season football matches; it represents a significant step forward in the relationship between English football and American fans. The United States has been rapidly growing as a football market, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Major events like the Premier League Summer Series 2025 contribute directly to this growth by providing fans with the opportunity to see their favorite teams play in their own backyard.
In addition to strengthening the Premier League’s presence in the US, this summer series has a substantial impact on soccer tourism. Fans from all over the world, including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, are expected to travel to the US to attend these matches. The event will boost local tourism by driving traffic to hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retail shops, all of which will benefit from the influx of football fans. The presence of global football clubs will also serve as a catalyst for future international sporting events, driving long-term growth in the tourism sector.
The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, emphasized the importance of the event for strengthening connections with US fans. He said, “We are delighted to be bringing the Premier League Summer Series back to the United States and world-class venues in New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta. We know from our previous tournament and Premier League Mornings Live Fan Fest events that we and our clubs have incredibly loyal and passionate fans in the US who get up early to follow their teams during the season. In these four clubs we have world-class players and managers who will undoubtedly give supporters a fantastic Premier League experience just before the season starts.”
Atlanta’s Growing Recognition as a Soccer City
Atlanta is particularly noteworthy in the context of the Premier League Summer Series. The city has become a central hub for soccer in the US, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium regularly hosting both football and soccer events. This year’s series will see the return of the Premier League to the city for a doubleheader, further cementing Atlanta’s status as a soccer-friendly city.
What’s Next for Football Tourism in the US?
The Premier League Summer Series is just one of many events contributing to the growing soccer fever in the United States. The US is also set to host the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a historic moment for football in North America. As the US football market continues to develop, the Premier League’s investment in the country through such events is expected to yield long-term benefits.
In conclusion, the Premier League Summer Series 2025 is a testament to the growing passion for football in the United States. By bringing top-tier English clubs to cities like New Jersey, Chicago, and Atlanta, the Premier League is not only expanding its brand but also enhancing soccer tourism, benefiting local economies and fostering deeper engagement with American fans.
As football’s popularity in the US continues to grow, events like the Summer Series will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
Sports Tourism in England: A Growing Industry with Global Appeal
Sports tourism in England has become one of the country’s most lucrative and rapidly growing sectors. With its rich sporting heritage, iconic stadiums, and world-class events, England has long been a prime destination for sports enthusiasts from around the world. From the thrill of the Premier League to iconic tennis matches at Wimbledon, the country offers a wide variety of sporting events that attract millions of tourists each year.
This booming industry contributes significantly to the UK economy, while also enhancing England’s global profile as a hub for international sporting events.
A Rich Sporting Tradition
England’s sporting legacy is well-known across the globe. As the birthplace of football, rugby, tennis, and cricket, the country boasts a diverse range of sports that attract both international and domestic tourists. Iconic venues like Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford, and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon are landmarks in the sports world, offering fans the opportunity to experience the magic of live sports in historic settings.
For football fans, the Premier League is the jewel in the crown of English sports. Every season, millions of tourists from across the globe flock to the UK to witness the excitement of the world’s most competitive football league. Major clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal attract huge crowds, not only from England but also from countries as far-flung as Japan, Brazil, and the US.
Tourists often travel to see their favorite teams play, and this influx of international fans brings significant economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, and transport services.
Iconic Sporting Events
In addition to league matches, England hosts some of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Wimbledon, held annually in London, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, attracting thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers globally. The atmosphere at Wimbledon is unlike any other, with its traditional grass courts, polite applause, and refined ambiance.
This event alone brings in a significant number of sports tourists, not just to watch the matches but to experience the historical charm of the venue.
Similarly, events like the FA Cup, The Ashes (a cricket series between England and Australia), and rugby’s Six Nations Championship draw large crowds of international visitors. Motorsport enthusiasts also flock to the UK for events like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, which is one of the premier events in the Formula 1 calendar.
These events are not just about the sport—they offer a unique experience for visitors, combining the excitement of competition with the culture and history of the UK.
Economic Impact of Sports Tourism
The economic impact of sports tourism on England is significant. According to various studies, sports tourism generates billions of pounds for the UK economy every year. This includes not only the direct revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and hospitality but also the broader economic benefits from spending on accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.
It also supports thousands of jobs across the country, from event organizers to local businesses. In addition to the traditional sporting events, England also benefits from hosting international tournaments and multi-sport competitions like the Commonwealth Games. These events bring an influx of foreign tourists and boost the local economy by encouraging long-term travel and tourism.
The Future of Sports Tourism in England
As England continues to host world-class sporting events and attract sports tourists from around the globe, the future of sports tourism looks promising. The UK government and local authorities are increasingly recognizing the value of sports tourism and are investing in infrastructure to enhance visitor experiences.
The development of new stadiums, hotels, and transport networks, along with the ongoing efforts to make events more accessible and inclusive, will continue to drive the growth of sports tourism in England.
In conclusion, sports tourism in England is an industry that continues to flourish. With its unrivaled sporting history, iconic events, and world-class venues, England remains a top destination for sports lovers around the world.
The benefits of sports tourism are far-reaching, contributing to the economy, creating jobs, and enhancing England’s reputation as a global sports hub. As the world’s appetite for sport continues to grow, England is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leader in the global sports tourism market.
