The Premier League 2024-25 pre-season is shaping up to be an exciting period with numerous friendly matches scheduled across various locations, including the USA, Asia, and Europe. Here’s a detailed overview of the fixtures and the context surrounding them:
USA Tours
Several Premier League clubs are heading to the USA for their pre-season friendlies, making it a significant destination this summer.
Arsenal:
- July 24: vs. Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles
- July 27: vs. Manchester United at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- July 31: vs. Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- August 7: vs. Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium
Manchester United:
- July 15: vs. Rosenborg at Lerkendal Stadion, Norway
- July 20: vs. Rangers at Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- July 27: vs. Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- July 31: vs. Real Betis at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
- August 3: vs. Liverpool at Williams-Brice Stadium, South Carolina
Liverpool:
- July 27: vs. Real Betis at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
- July 31: vs. Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- August 3: vs. Manchester United at Williams-Brice Stadium, South Carolina
- August 11: vs. Sevilla at Anfield
Chelsea:
- July 24: vs. Wrexham at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
- July 27: vs. Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana
- July 31: vs. Club America at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- August 3: vs. Manchester City at Ohio Stadium, Columbus
- August 6: vs. Real Madrid at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- August 11: vs. Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge
Crystal Palace:
- July 19: vs. Charlton Athletic (behind closed doors)
- July 27: vs. Crawley Town at Broadfield Stadium
- July 31: vs. Wolves at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Maryland
- August 3: vs. West Ham at Raymond James Stadium, Florida
- August 11: vs. Nantes at Selhurst Park
Europe and Asia Fixtures
Teams are also engaging in high-profile matches outside the USA.
Aston Villa:
- July 17: vs. Walsall at Bescot Stadium
- August 10: vs. Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany
Brighton & Hove Albion:
- July 24: vs. Kashima Antlers at National Stadium, Tokyo
- July 28: vs. Tokyo Verdy at National Stadium, Tokyo
- August 3: vs. QPR at Loftus Road
Everton:
- July 27: vs. Salford City at Peninsula Stadium
- July 30: vs. Coventry City at Coventry Building Society Arena
- August 3: vs. Preston North End at Deepdale
- August 10: vs. AS Roma at Goodison Park
Fulham:
- August 10: vs. Hoffenheim at PreZero Arena, Sinsheim
Impact and Highlights
The Premier League pre-season matches are not just about preparation; they also serve as a means for clubs to engage with global fanbases and promote football culture internationally. The USA tour, for instance, includes fan festivals, interactive zones, and meet-and-greet sessions with players, providing fans with memorable experiences beyond the matches themselves.
Additionally, these tours have a significant economic impact on host cities, boosting local businesses and tourism. They also foster community engagement through various activities, promoting a shared love for football.
