Levi's Stadium Selected as 1 of 10 Venues for Soccer Tournament

Levi’s Stadium is one of 10 venues across the country that will host an international soccer tournament next year, organizers announced Thursday.

The Copa America Centenario will be held for the first time outside of South America from June 3 through 26.

The tournament will feature six teams from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football and 10 teams from the South American Football Confederation.

At least three matches will be held at Levi’s Stadium and the games still need to be scheduled, tournament organizers said.

The San Francisco 49ers and San Jose Earthquakes worked together on the bid for Copa America Centenario and other international soccer events to the South Bay.

“Levi’s Stadium was designed to be a home for iconic sports and entertainment events so we’re honored that it was selected as a host venue for one of the world’s most storied soccer tournaments,” San Francisco 49ers Chief Operating Officer Al Guido said in a statement.

“We are proud to host another historic event next year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Copa America. With the MLS All-Star Game in July and the Copa America Centenario in June, the summer of 2016 will once again be filled with big soccer events,” San Jose Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said.

Levi’s Stadium was chosen from 24 bids sent earlier this year and met many requirements including a minimum seating capacity of 60,000, tournament officials said.

“The soccer community in Santa Clara features a diverse cross-section of our citizenry and we’re extremely excited to secure an international event with the significance of the Copa America to Santa Clara,” Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthew said.

“Our region is home to some of the most passionate soccer fans in the country who will relish this opportunity to experience this world-class competition first-hand,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said.

Other venues hosting the tournament include Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, MetLife Stadium in New York and CenturyLink Field in Seattle.

Both confederations decided on the venues with the Copa America Centenario Local Organizing Committee formed by the U.S. Soccer Federation, one of the event organizers. More information on tickets to the tournament can be found online at http://www.ca2016.com.

--Bay City News Service, photo via Shutterstock