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Last weekend, around 130,000 people descended on San Diego for arguably the most famous Comic-Con event in the world. But this week, the real Captain Marvel rides into town.
Manchester United are, of course, in the United States for Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon. And our own aforementioned Captain Marvel, club legend Bryan Robson, is in tow.
Our first tour game took place in Los Angeles at the weekend – a narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal – but now the Reds are ready to head south, down Interstate 5, towards what is known in some quarters as ‘America’s Finest City’. There, in San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, Erik ten Hag’s team will face La Liga’s Real Betis.
For the Red Devils of San Diego, our dedicated Manchester United Supporters’ Club in the area, it’s a hugely exciting moment. During the season, the group’s members will gather together to watch matches at the Liberty Call Distilling Company, but on Wednesday evening, the 20-times champions of England will be there, in the flesh, right on the front doorstep.
“This is going to be a great location to watch United and experience the sun, sea and surf,” says Tony Hughes, who helps run the supporters’ club.
“We travelled up to Los Angeles [at the weekend] and are all looking forward to the festivities here, of course, with a meet-and-greet and a yacht cruise and tailgate party.
“I’ll also represent our group in Escondido to support the Street Soccer USA under-12s for under-privileged kids, which Manchester United Foundation have asked us to offer our support to.”
As an ex-pat, Tony has an important role within the Red Devils of San Diego branch: bringing a bit of British fan culture into the Pacific Coast mix.
“I help teach all the songs to make it an authentic atmosphere and educate the young and new about what it means to be a Red,” he explains.
“We have had a supporters’ group for over 20 years and after the pandemic we moved headquarters to the Liberty Call Distilling Co. It’s an exclusively Manchester United bar, so we have tailored it around the Manchester experience.
“On matchdays the bar is very colourful, with flags and banners decorating the patio and artwork and framed pictures on the wall. We have a special breakfast menu too, with English breakfasts and burritos to serve all.”
San Diego is often voted the best place to live in the entire USA, so Hughes and his fellow Californian Reds are understandably proud about that, and looking forward to welcoming fans from all over the globe.
“We know Juan Mata loved our city when he visited, and there’s loads of culinary delights, being so close to the Mexican border,” he notes. “Snapdragon Stadium is our local stadium too, so we are proud they are United’s sponsors.
“The fans coming can eat some Mexican food and drink a cold beer in our excellent climate, or enjoy a harbour cruise and experience amazing views of our great city.”
It’s going to be a fantastic few days for all of a United persuasion in the San Diego area, and the thousands visiting so they can catch the Reds in action.
If you’re heading to southern California, just spare a thought for the rest of us, while you’re enjoying those beaches, mountains and that beautiful weather.
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