COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia will play host to two of the world’s most popular soccer teams this weekend, and that has hotels sold out across the capital city.
Meanwhile, crews at Williams-Brice Stadium have been working at a fevered pitch. It’s all to get ready for a big event Saturday that features two internationally acclaimed soccer clubs.
“We are unbelievably excited to welcome both Manchester United and Liverpool to Columbia this weekend,” said Scott Powers, Executive Director of Experience Columbia SC Sports.
Saturday night, they’ll welcome two of Europe’s most famous soccer clubs to play a friendly at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Powers said promoters for Saturday’s event really liked Columbia’s atmosphere.
"They wanted to see how they could capture something that was not necessarily an NFL city, how could they capture some of that college atmosphere, and Williams-Brice Stadium fit the bill,” he said.
Powers said interest in the match has been off the charts, leading to a sell-out crowd.
"We made sure that we put the word out all across the southeast for ticket sales, and I think that effort showed off very well as tickets were mostly sold out the first couple of days," Powers explained.
Hotels have also sold out across the city, with the few rooms that are left for Saturday night going for as high as $1,159.
This week, crews at Williams-Brice Stadium put the finishing touches on the facility, preparing for a sell-out crowd and transforming the American football field into a European soccer pitch.
The matchup is part of a pre-season tour that has been dubbed “Rivals in Red USA” named after the teams’ colors.
Frank Bradley is the Executive Chef and General Manager at Hendrix in Downtown Columbia. He said he was surprised to learn that the two European teams would be coming to his hometown.
“My wife told me. When she told me, I was kind of blown away. Honestly, I didn’t quite believe it," Bradley said.
Bradley told News19 that his establishment is getting ready to host a big crowd.
“We’re definitely stocking up extra. Again, we’re anticipating it being a pretty big weekend. And we’re doing a couple of specials for the rooftop specifically. It’s a lot of fun and just kind of keeps my job interesting for sure,” Bradley said.
Just down main street at Cantina 76, manager Caroline Brigman says her team has drink specials ready to welcome all those soccer fans.
“We’re starting some deals and we’re going to do baby Guinness shots. We’ve got a new tequila in. Saturday we’re going to turn our classic margarita red,” Brigman said.
As soccer fever grips Columbia, fans are shocked and excited that the city was chosen to host the event.
“It’s definitely a big college town and to see something with the attention of Manchester and Liverpool be able to come to our city is huge,” said Sam Parrish a soccer fan and Columbia resident.
Joe Harder is a salesman from Charleston. He was visiting Columbia for work Wednesday afternoon and said it's not surprising Columbia was chosen as a host.
“It’s amazing to see that they picked Columbia, South Carolina, but I’m not surprised with the people that are here and just the overall vibe from the city,” Harder said.
Officials tell News19 that all 80,000 tickets for this event sold out in just a matter of days. The game will air Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.