The Emirates FA Cup, football’s original knockout competition, is poised to make history once again as it embarks on a trophy tour to the United States.
The NYC Takeover kicked-off earlier this week ahead of the competition’s fifth round proper ties which take place across Monday 26 and Wednesday 28 February.
Throughout its week-long tour, the trophy will be showcased at various events and locations, presented to some iconic teams, athletes and celebrities, and offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness history up close and personal.
And the trip culminates with two special Emirates FA Cup fifth round watch parties on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 February for over 300 people with seven ties taking place across the two days at the iconic Moonlight Studios in the city.
The #EmiratesFACup trophy is heading to New York City for the Fifth Round 🗽
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 21, 2024
From huge cross-sport collabs, a soccer clinic, and two epic Watch Parties, hosted by @USMNT and FA Cup legend @TimHowardGK
Keep your eyes peeled for some exclusive content from the Big Apple 🍎 pic.twitter.com/kUQXTHzKRc
Also joining forces with the Emirates FA Cup on this momentous tour are former USA internationals Tyler Adams, DeMarcus Beasley and Tim Howard. The trio all played in the competition during their careers in England and they will lend their support to the trophy's historic visit, underscoring the growing prominence of soccer in the United States.
We'll be delivering a local football clinic, in partnership with Black Star - a grassroots programme facilitating the growth of football in Black American communities.
The clinic is hosted by former USMNT player DaMarcus Beasley and provides an opportunity to demonstrate the FA's commitment to inclusion and representation both at home and abroad - particularly relevant as it is currently Black History Month in the US.
Be sure to follow the @EmiratesFACup channel on X and Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, with a range of locally-produced footage including fan surprise and delight moments, photoshoots at the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, influencer collaborations, cross-sport collabs with the NHL and NY Knicks, and a dedicated look at US football fashion.
“We’re delighted to be bringing the Emirates FA Cup to the US for this historic trophy tour,” said FA commercial director James Gray.
“It’s an exciting time for the game in the US, with the ongoing growth of the game evident to see, especially with the FIFA World Cup just a couple of years away.
“This trophy tour is an ideal opportunity to bring US fans closer to this iconic competition through the watch parties in collaboration with our broadcast partners ESPN+, and we look forward to meeting and engaging with new audiences at these events.”
