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.

The Red Bulls U-18s are currently 8-1-1 so far this season and are unbeaten in its past eight games, outscoring opponents 27-7. The U-18s team is a part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system. They are one of four squads in the Red Bulls Academy, a cost-free program that aims to develop the best soccer talent in the tri-state area. For more information on the Red Bulls Academy, log onto www.redbullsacademy.com.

The U.S. U-17 Men's National Team will travel to Red Bull Arena from Bradenton, FL., where 40 players train daily as part of U.S. Soccer's full-time Residency Program. The current crop players, including Red Bulls Academy players Russell Canouse, Santiago Castano and Adam Najem, were all born in either 1994 or 1995. The U.S. team, led by head coach Wilmer Cabrera, is in the early stages of preparation for the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and the subsequent 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

In addition, all of the Red Bulls first team players will be presented to fans in a halftime ceremony.