SECAUCUS, NJ-- In honor of the Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena, the Empire State Building will light up white and red on Friday, March 19. Red Bull Arena will set the standard for other soccer venues across the continent. The state-of-the-art soccer-specific facility, set to open on March 20 in Harrison, NJ, when the Red Bulls face Santos FC at 6:00 PM, will be the home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Red Bulls defender Mike Petke, goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul, and assistant coach Richie Williams will all take part in the lighting ceremony, which will illuminate the skyscraper in the colors of the Red Bulls' kit. All three have ties to the New York metro area. Petke grew up in Long Island, Coundoul attended Martin Luther King Jr. high school in New York City, and Williams is a Middletown, NJ native. The lighting ceremony will take place on March 19 at 1:30 PM. The ceremony is not open to the public.

Red Bulls host soft opening Saturday

After many years of anticipation, the New York Red Bulls will host their first official sporting event at the brand-new Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on Saturday at 4:30 PM when their Under-18 Academy Team squares off against the United States U-17 Men's National Team at the team's Soft Opening.

Admittance to the soft opening is free, however, all fans must contact the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER to acquire tickets. Red Bulls Full Season Plan Holders will automatically receive tickets for their same seats prior to the match.

In addition, the club will distribute collection buckets at the match to benefit Red Bulls midfielder Seth Stammler's nonprofit organization, Sporting Chance Foundation, dedicated to provide relief for the victims affected in the earthquake in Haiti two weeks ago. More information on SCF can be found on www.sportingchancefoundation.org.

HARRISON, NJ-- The New York Red Bulls implementation of RFID technology at Red Bull Arena will allow the club to issue all-inclusive smart cards to more than 6,000 season ticket holders.

The paperless ticketing / admission / concession system, sold by London based Fortress GB, will allow season-ticket holders to automatically pass through the turnstiles at the stadium. In addition, the smart card will be used to expedite purchases at concession stands located at Red Bull Arena.

Churchill Cup to be first non-soccer event at Red Bull Arena

SECAUCUS, NJ-- Red Bull New York announced today that Red Bull Arena will serve as the host of the Finals of the Churchill Cup, an international rugby event, on Saturday, June 19, 2010. The Churchill Cup will be the first international non-soccer event to be staged at the 25,000-seat venue in Harrison, New Jersey.

"We are honored to host the Finals of the Churchill Cup at Red Bull Arena," said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. "It continues our commitment to bringing top international events to the Metropolitan New York area. This event fits well into the schedule of Red Bull Arena as the Red Bulls are on their World Cup break."."

International Friendly to be played Saturday, May 22

SECAUCUS, NJ-- Red Bull New York announced today that Red Bull Arena will host its first International Friendly match on Saturday, May 22 as the national teams of Turkey and the Czech Republic will square off. Match time is slated for 12:30 PM ET.

"We continue our commitment to bring top-caliber soccer matches to Red Bull Arena," said Erik Stover, Red Bull New York Managing Director. "It's a great opportunity for us to host two top quality teams and for new people to see and experience Red Bull Arena."

SECAUCUS, NJ- The New York Red Bulls announced today that individual tickets to both their Grand Opening event on March 20 at 6:00 PM against legendary Brazilian club, Santos FC, and their MLS Home Opener against the Chicago Fire on March 27 at 7:00 PM (TV: ESPN; ESPN Deportes) are on sale beginning today, February 17. Fans can purchase these tickets, which will all be located in the 200-Level, by contacting the Red Bulls ticket office at 1.877.RBSOCCER or by logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

Entities form a two-year agreement encompassing a number of elements

Red Bull New York today announced that Prudential has become the team's corporate partner as the team prepares for its historic inaugural season at Red Bull Arena. Prudential becomes the "Official Provider of Retirement Services and Insurance" for both Red Bull New York and Red Bull Arena.

"We are excited to have Prudential become our partner for this historic season," said Erik Stover, Red Bull New York Managing Director. "Prudential is a national leader in the insurance industry and they are based here in New Jersey, making them a perfect fit with our organization. They have a great local presence and awareness and we believe that the partnership will be beneficial for both of our organizations."

The Red Bulls All-Time First XI

Pick your 11 favorites players of all time and sign up for a chance to win two VIP/Club tickets to the Red Bull's season opener at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

The tickets will include VIP access to the Club Lounge and access to the pitch for the First Kick Ceremony.

The winners will be announced on March 16, 2010.

You can check the official rules here and sign up here

SECAUCUS, NJ-- Red Bull New York announced today that Family Packs and Group Tickets for the Red Bulls' Grand Opening match against legendary Brazilian club, Santos FC, on March 20 at 6:00 PM and MLS Home Opener versus the Chicago Fire on March 27 at 7:00 PM (TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes) will go on sale starting Monday, Feb. 8 at 10:00 AM ET.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Red Bulls' first season in brand-new Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ by calling 1.877.RBSOCCER or logging onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

Club also unveils 2010 Red Bull Arena Inaugural Season patch

SECAUCUS, NJ-- Red Bull New York announced today that the club will conduct an on-line fan voting contest to elect the club's all-time First XI line-up. The honorees will be announced at the Red Bulls' 2010 Media Day on Tuesday, March 16 at Red Bull Arena.

"With the opening of Red Bull Arena, we are kicking off a new era in the history of this franchise," stated Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. "However, we cannot move forward without recognizing the talented players who have played for this franchise in the past, and I cannot imagine a better way to elect this team than by allowing the best fans in MLS to vote on the selections."