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The MLS-All Star week kicks off Saturday, July 20, bringing fun events and opportunities for fan engagement, going until Wednesday, July 24.
Here is everything to know about each day:
Saturday & Sunday: MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration
The free MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration kicks off the week’s events with a free festival for fans of all ages.
From music to games, autographs to giveaways and more, the Soccer Celebration is the perfect fan experience leading up to the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.
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Information: 4:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday; 3-7 p.m. on Sunday at McFerson Commons Park, 218 West St.
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Sunday: MLS All-Star Concert
The celebration continues with the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target featuring Grammy-nominated artist and producer Marshmello and multiplatinum recording artist Pinkpantheress,
Tickets start at $35 and are available to purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Neighborhood Athletics, a local nonprofit that helps provide athletic and educational opportunities to youth in underserved communities.
Information: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
Monday: MLS All-Star Day of Service
Stars and fans alike will join forces on the MLS All-Star Day of Service presented by Target to pack 100,000 meals for local children and families in need. Family-friendly music, food, games and entertainment will follow. Those interested in volunteering can sign up online.
Information: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd.
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Tuesday: MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, MLS NEXT All-Star Game and Special Olympics Unified Sports MLS All-Star Game
The MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate is free and fans have the opportunity to watch 44 top MLS NEXT players compete in an East versus West game. This event will be streamed live. Parking information and directions are available online.
Next up is the Special Olympics Unified Sports MLS All-Star Game. Tickets are free and available to reserve online. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympic athletes) and those without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners) comprise the “Unified Sports” East and West All-Star soccer teams, which will compete in an 11 versus 11 match. “MLS Greats” will coach the teams, and players will don custom kits made possible by adidas.
Finally, the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T has 10 players from the MLS and 10 players from LIGA MX facing off in five challenges: the Shooting Challenge presented by AT&T, the Touch Challenge presented by Crest, the Cross & Volley Challenge presented by AT&T, the Passing Challenge presented by Old Spice and the Crossbar Challenge presented by GilletteLabs.
The teams will compete for charity in an effort to spread positivity in communities. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online.
Information: MLS NEXT All-Star Game begins at 11:30 a.m. at Historic Crew Stadium, 1 Black and Gold Blvd.; Special Olympics Unified Sports MLS All-Star Game is at 3:30 p.m. at Historic Crew Stadium; MLS All-Star Skills Challenge is at 7:30 p.m. at Lower.com Field, 96 Columbus Crew Way.
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Wednesday: Matchday
The back-to-school-themed free MLS All-Star Community Day Presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink is an extension of the Crew’s community missions to advance youth soccer and education in Ohio, including promotion of school attendance through the Stay in the Game! Network.
MLS Greats and LIGA MX legends will lead a soccer clinic and the event will feature AED/CPR training, community-resource booths, food trucks, music and the BODYARMOR Community Cup, where teams of five students will compete in a tournament. On top of this, backpacks, school supplies and BODYARMOR squirt bottles will be provided to students.
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The final and most anticipated event of the week, the 2024 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will kick off in the evening. Tickets are available online and the event can be watched with an MLS season pass. LIGA MX All-Stars will face off against MLS All-Stars in what the MLS website calls “the showpiece event of the summer.” The goal is to unite around the sport and celebrate the North American soccer community.
Information: MLS All-Star Community Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northgate Intermediate School, 6655 Sharon Woods Blvd.; the 2024 MLS All-Star Game is at 8 p.m. at Lower.com Field.
Nfishman@dispatch.com
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