The Emirates FA Cup trophy lands in Miami this week for a ten-day celebration of football’s oldest and most-esteemed national knockout tournament, culminating with a pair of watch parties for the competition’s quarter-finals on 29 and 30 March.
Two-time FA Cup winner Joe Cole, who starred for West Ham United and Chelsea before finishing his playing career in the U.S. with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, will accompany the Emirates FA Cup and host the tour.
“The Emirates FA Cup is one of the most prestigious trophies in England and around the world, so to win it twice meant the world to me,” Cole said. “I’m excited to partner with Emirates and the FA to bring the excitement of this famous competition to soccer fans in the Sunshine State.”
Fans will be able to meet Cole and take photos with the Emirates FA Cup trophy throughout the week in Miami as it visits various sporting and entertainment events, including trips to Chase Stadium, Hard Rock Stadium and around Miami for an 'If You Know You Know' local tour with local content creator Marian Guevara.
Commenting on Emirates’ role in the Emirates FA Cup trophy’s journey to Miami, Boutros Boutros, executive vice president, corporate communications, marketing and brand at Emirates, said: “We’re thrilled to support the Emirates FA Cup Trophy Tour across the globe, providing the opportunity for fans who are passionate about soccer to engage with the trophy.
"Emirates aims to connect with people around the world through their love for sports, and we are proud to bring the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition to fans in the U.S. We are also delighted to have two-time winner Joe Cole on board as we launch exciting events for fans across Miami, enabling them to experience the spirit of the game closer to home while also connecting with fellow supporters, and celebrating the rich culture of soccer.”
The FA, Emirates and ESPN+ will host a pair of watch parties at the Temple House for the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final matchups with Brighton & Hove Albion versus Nottingham Forest on Saturday 29 March followed by AFC Bournemouth against Manchester City on Sunday 30 March. Local soccer fans and club supporter groups will be invited to attend, meet Cole and have pictures with the Emirates FA Cup trophy.
“The U.S. represents one of the most exciting and highly-engaged soccer fan bases in the world,” said James Gray, commercial director at the FA.
“By bringing the Emirates FA Cup to Miami, it provides us with an opportunity to give something back to the wonderful football community who have helped to grow the game while providing a platform for younger fans to be inspired by the magic of this historic competition. We thank our partners Emirates and ESPN+ for helping us to deliver this community-focused tour."
The FA is also partnering with Alianza de Futbol, the leading organisation in the U.S. dedicated to the support and development of Hispanic football, to host a youth clinic for 8-11 year olds on Saturday 29 March.
