CARDIFF, Wales – The EFL Championship will square off with the USL Championship this July when Cardiff City FC arrives for a North American tour that will see the Bluebirds meet San Antonio FC and New Mexico United as part of its preparations for the 2019-20 campaign.

San Antonio FC will host the Bluebirds at Toyota Field on Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m. CT, and then move on to face New Mexico United on Thursday, July 18 at the University of New Mexico Soccer Stadium at 8:30 p.m. MT. The club’s tour will conclude in Canada against an opponent that is yet to be announced.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get the lads away for ten days and play three tough matches at great facilities,” said Cardiff Manager Neill Warnock. “We’re also hoping to soon confirm an attractive home match against foreign opposition for the final Saturday before the season starts.”

Founded in 1899 and renamed Cardiff City in 1908, the Bluebirds have won the Welsh Cup 22 times, the F.A. Cup once, and were crowned champions of the EFL Championship in the 2012-13 season. In 2018-19, Cardiff featured internationally recognized players including Canadian Junior Hoilett and Icelandic international Aron Gunnarsson, who helped the Iceland national team become the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2018.  

Cardiff was promoted back to the Premier League after finishing second in the EFL Championship during the 2017-18 season. Their Premier League season closed earlier this month with a 2-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Bluebirds finished the 2018-19 Premier League season in 18th place on 34 points and were relegated back to the EFL Championship.

“We’re delighted to take Cardiff City over to America for our 2019 pre-season tour,” said Cardiff Executive Director and CEO Ken Choo. “The suggestion is that this trip will provide a tough test for the squad ahead of what we are all hoping will be a competitive and successful 2019-20 Championship campaign.”

The Bluebirds' visit to San Antonio will mark the first time a current or former Premier League club has visited the Alamo City. Tickets for the match against SAFC are included in all San Antonio FC Season Ticket Membership packages, and the night will be a $1 Drink Night courtesy of Bud Light. An exclusive pre-sale window for STM’s to purchase additional tickets is open and will run through June 3.

Members of the SAFC Fan Club and fans who download the official San Antonio FC app also have access to an exclusive pre-sale window, starting today at noon. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. CT.

“We are delighted to host what will be an historic event for the Alamo City in July,” said SAFC Managing Director Tim Holt. “Our supporters have encouraged us to bring a top overseas opponent with a storied history to Toyota Field, and we are excited to have the opportunity to test ourselves against a club as accomplished as Cardiff City FC.”

Currently sitting on top of the USL Championship’s Western Conference, New Mexico United will look to continue a remarkable inaugural season that has seen the side average more than 12,000 fans per game at Isotopes Park and this week advance to the Fourth Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“This friendly match against Cardiff City FC is an amazing opportunity for the entire state of New Mexico to be placed on a global stage,” said United Owner and CEO Peter Trevisani. “Our team will have the opportunity to make a strong statement to the world about who we are and about the community that propels us. Cardiff’s supporters travelling for this match will have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere that the Land of Enchantment provides.”

Current New Mexico United season ticket holders will have the opportunity to claim their reserved seat from June 15 to June 30. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting on June 15. Tickets will range from $25-$45 and can be purchased in person at the team store, located at 3500 Central Ave, Suite 2 in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill or by calling an account executive at 505-209-7529.