Gold Cup Tickets: Giants Stadium- Semifinal (7.21) & Final (7.24)

The US has made the semi-finals of the Gold Cup, marking their first return to Giants Stadium since May 2002 and their first time in NJ for a game that mattered since....um....yeah.

In case you haven't been here before ( ), both New York City and North Jersey are home to significant ethnic populations, especially Colombians, who have a sizeable presence in North Jersey and are capable of putting 20,000 people in GS.

There will be a significant presence of Hondurans on Thursday, and if either Q3 team (Mex/Col) make the final, expect support of 10,000 plus.

It is very important that all US Soccer fans provide our National Team with the significant home advantage they deserve. We look forward to your help in providing a loud & proud section. This games are not about club rivalries. All fans are welcome. We suggest wearing US gear, preferably wearing red. No club gear, please.

Game Schedule:

Semi-Final: Thursday, July 21

USA v. Honduras, 6:00PM
Q3 [Mexico v. Colombia] v. Q4 [South Africa v. Panama], 9:00PM

Final : Sunday, July 24th

Winner of US/Hon vs. Mex/Col/RSA/Pan, 3pm

Seating



The Sam's Army/US Supporters Section is in Section 101, lower bowl. These are great seats, as players for both countries have to file underneath you to get on and off the field, perfect vantage point cheer the boys on or, you know, let the opponents know how you feel.

If you want another photo of the section, click here, 101 is the section with the cutout behind the goal on the far side of the field. (1. No, there will not be real grass. 2. No, there will not be this many people there).

We expect to have the NJ-based BigAssFlag in our section, as well as the AnnaNicole drum. Feel free to bring additional drums, banners, flags, signs, etc.

Tickets

Tickets are $ 30 for our section, the cheapest in the stadium.

We have worked with the front office to reserve section 101 just for US fans. This section has been closed off for Ticketmaster sale for both games at current.

As it's a Concacaf event, however, the MFO does not have control over it, nor will there be MFO representatives in the booths on game day.

At the moment, tickets for 101 are only available by pre-order through the Empire Supporters Club. On gameday, section 101 will be released for sale, and tickets can be purchased from the windows at gates B, C and D by the general public. First come, first served.

Our section will be filled with US fans standing, singing and playing drums. It is general admission in name only as Giants Stadium doesn't fully believe in the GA concept. You will be required to occupy only 1 seat and it is possible that some ticketmaster customers may end up in the section accidentally, looking for their seat. The stadium will be empty enough to allow people to move around, however, so we're not expecting any problems.

For the Semi-Final, July 21st:

You can buy tickets in one of three ways.

1. You can paypal your order to escgear@yahoo.com. If you do this, there is a $ 2 processing fee (since paypal takes a chunk). Should you choose to paypal your order, please also send an e-mail to empiresc@verizon.net to advise us of your name and your order.

You can pick up your tickets in lot 16A, near Gate C, from 4:30pm on.

2. You can send a check payable to the Metrostars, and mail it to the address below:

ESC
PO Box 41- Fordham Station
Bronx, NY 10458

Tickets are still $ 30, and there is no fee. If you do this, note that we need to receive them by Wednesday afternoon (as we will be at the game on Thurs). Best to send them Express Mail. Also, we ask that you send us an e-mail at empiresc@verizon.net to let us know you're sending a check.

In either case, we'll send you an e-mail to confirm once we've received your order. You can pick up your tickets in lot 16A, near Gate C, from 4:30pm on.

3. You can purchase tickets on gameday at Gates B, C and D.

Request seats in section 101. The ticket booths open 2 hours prior to game time, so they should be open from 4pm on.

No refunds will be given.

Also note: we will only have tickets for July 21st available on the 21st. If you pre-pay for both games, we will give you July 24th tickets on the 24th.

For the Final, July 24th:

1. You can paypal your order to escgear@yahoo.com.

If you do this, there is a $ 2 processing fee (since paypal takes a chunk). Should you choose to paypal your order, please also send an e-mail to empiresc@verizon.net to advise us of your name and your order.

You can pick up your tickets in lot 16A, near Gate C,from 1:00pm on.

2. You can send a check payable to the Metrostars, and mail it to the address below:

ESC
PO Box 41- Fordham Station
Bronx, NY 10458

Tickets are $ 30, and there is no fee. If you do this, note that we need to receive them by Saturday afternoon. Best to send them Express Mail or registered mail. Also, we ask that you send us an e-mail at empiresc@verizon.net to let us know you're sending a check.

You can pick up your tickets in lot 16A, near Gate C, from 1:00pm on.

3. You can purchase tickets on gameday at Gates B, C and D.

Request seats in section 101. The ticket booths open 2 hours prior to game time, so they should be open from 1pm on.

Note, if you are paying for tickets for both games at the same time, we can't have MFO cash half a check, so there will be no refunds for checks if the US should not advance to the finals.

Parking & Tailgating

Parking is $ 15. (sucks, we know)

The US tailgate is in front of Gate C, in lot 16A. Map here.

The easiest way to get into 16A is via Plaza F, which can be a bit tricky to get into.

From GWB: Follow western spur of NJ Turnpike south (not towards Lincoln Tunnel). Get off at exit 16W, Meadowlands Complex. After exit, bear to the right, but make a left after Continental Airlines Arena, prior to going over the bridge. You will drive south alongside the Arena, continuing straight past the Bridge lot (on map above). At the end of the road, bear to the right and continue up ramp and around to the right, making a large U turn. Plaza F is immediately on your left at the end of the ramp.

From the south via NJ Turnpike: Follow western spur of NJ Turnpike (Towards George Washington Bridge, not towards Lincoln Tunnel). Get off at exit 16W. Bend around to the right and continue straight, towards Route 3 West, heading over the bridge. Once over the Bridge, make the first right onto the service road, which will bend around to the left, to Plaza F.

From NYC: Take Lincoln Tunnel, which turns into Route 3 West. Straight about 2 miles, then bear to the right, continuing on Route 3 West. Straight about 4 miles, over bridge, follow signs to Route 120 North. Once on Route 120 North, take the next right just after passing under the pedestrian bridge. Bend around to the right, and continue straight, up and over ramp, which is basically, itself, another large U turn. Plaza F is immediately on your left at the end of the ramp.

Note: They will charge for parking from 3pm onwards on Thursday, from 12pm onwards on Sunday. Before that, it's free.

If you want to be cheeky about it, advise them you are going to the racetrack, and they will give you a voucher. Go to the track (north of stadium), pay a $ 1 admission fee, and give them your voucher. They will give you the $ 15 back. Exit racetrack, saving $ 14.

Getting to GS on the Bus

You can take the bus from NYC's Port Authority Bus Station. Enter at 8th Avenue between 40th & 41st. Continue to the rear of the building, past Sbarro and up the small set of stairs to your left. You can purchase a round trip for $ 9 if you are taking option 1 below.

There are 2 ways to get to GS on the bus.

1. Take the Meadowlands Bus, leaving from 4pm onwards (roughly) on Thursday, from 1pm onwards on Sunday.

This bus will leave from either Gate 207 (up escalator, follow signs) or from 41st between 8th & 9th ave. You can ask the agent who sells you tickets which gate your bus leaves from, they are right about 80% of the time. If it's leaving from the street, walk out the exit mid-block across from Sbarro, and the busses should be across the street. If it's from Gate 207, take the escalator next to Sbarro, make a left & follow signs to Gate 207.

This bus will drop you off at the bubble in front of Gate D, and picks up from the same spot. Generally, they will wait until full, and it's not uncommon for them to grossly underestimate how many people are going to the game.

Expect lines of 30 minutes plus on Thursday, especially if Mexico is playing. Expect lines of 1 hour on Sunday, ditto Mexico.

2. Take the 164 bus. This bus leaves every hour on the :50 (1:50, 2:50, etc). It's a good idea to remind the driver to stop at the Meadowlands, though the bus should stop there anyway. This bus leaves from gate 224 (up escalator from Sbarro, make a right). You can buy tickets from the vending machine for this bus, (Zone 3, $ 3.10 one way). It will deposit you outside gate B at GS. Note: you will need a $ 5 return ticket for the return bus, which picks up at Gate D, and you can buy a return ticket in cash on the bus (exact change only).

The return is easy, just show up outside the bubble near Gate D and wait for the bus. The first bus will leave after the first game ends (in theory, 8pm) and should run until 30 minutes after the last game (11:30). Though, these schedules are both flexible and not disclosed, so they do keep you on your toes.

FAQs, Directions & Websites

Giants Stadium Venue Website, including maps & directions.

Official Gold Cup Website & Calendar

Port Authority Bus Web Site

1. What can I bring into the stadium:

PERMITTED ITEMS (all items are subject to inspection)

Plastic Bottles (One bottled water per fan with cap removed)
Binoculars
Still cameras (non-professional) that do not obstruct views of the field of neighboring guests.
Small purses and fanny packs
Seat cushions
Aramark bags containing just-purchased merchandise
Hand-held radios and TV's (fans will be asked to turn them on for inspection)

(You can bring a bag into the stadium, provided that you tell them you came on the Bus. If you have a bag, enter via Gate C and ask for bag check, they will hold your bag until the end of the game.)

You can bring flags & drums into the stadium, just tell them you are going to section 101. If you aren't going to section 101, they could give you a hard time.

PROHIBITED ITEMS (subject to change based on event without notice)

Large Bags, Backpacks, Briefcases (note bag check info above)
Coolers
Glass Bottles, Cans
Alcoholic Beverages
Thermoses
Umbrellas
Video Cameras, Recording Devices
Professional cameras and tripods
Pets (only service animals are permitted)
Aerosol Cans
Firearms
Knives (including pocket knives), Box Cutters or Weapons of any kind.
Chains
Hanging Banners, Signs, Sticks, Poles (the sticks/poles is strongly enforced)
Laser Pointers
Noise Makers, Whistles, Air Horns, Bull Horns
Fireworks
Clothing containing vulgar language
Drugs, Narcotics, Illegal Substances
Pepper Spray, Mace
Any item deemed by management to be dangerous or inappropriate

2. I have more questions:

Send an e-mail to empiresc@verizon.net

Thanks guys, and we look forward to seeing you out there.

GO USA!

 

1. Yes, you can paypal & E-mail post game on Thursday (should we advance) and get tickets for Sunday.

2. Yes, please specify which game it is for, as we have to hold seats accordingly.

Basically, we will ask MFO for X number of seats prior to each game based on the number reserved, and the rest of the section goes to general sale. The tickets aren't vouchers though, they are tickets. We have to say we'll take X for this game and Y for this game.

If that makes sense.

Should the US not advance (quelle horror), there won't be a US Supporters Section per se. You can still buy tickets there for walkup on game day, just, expect less Yanks.

As there will be plenty of seats available for anyone who wants to get them at the gate, it would be easier for all parties (MFO, ESC, You, etc) if you didn't order tickets from us until we are sure we are playing. Less potential for things to go wrong.

3. You can walk over to Section 101 from any 100 level section, just that there are usher types at the top of the section who will card you. Not all sections are guarded all game, so it's not impossible to do. GS policy, of course, is that you occupy the seat on your ticket and they have been known to sort people out if there is a crush or something.

4. Who would you meet in the mid teens of 132? Probably a lot of empty seats that will turn into whistling Colombians around minute 80 of the US game. And then some familty types. Just a guess though.

 

FYI, the ticket deadline for advance ordering of Semifinal tickets was moved up to 4pm today.

We didn't find that out until this morning. Sorry about the 170 minute notice.

So, if you want to order a ticket, please have your order to us by then. If you can't, that's okay, you will still be able to buy tickets from the box office on game day. We will likely have some extras, but not a ton of them.

Also, for Sunday's game, the last chance for us to get tickets ordered is 2pm Friday.

Similarly, we will have to have all orders in for that game by then. We will start a new thread on Thursday night after the game with details. If you miss out on that, not to worry, you can buy tickets at the gate on game day.

Thanks.

 

UPDATE- ALL PRE-RESERVED TICKETS FOR SECTION 101- SAMS ARMY MUST BE IN BY 1PM FRIDAY

DUE TO THE SHORT DEADLINE, WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING CHECKS FOR THIS MATCH.

**[r] below**

Apologies for the short deadline, however these are the restrictions we have to work within.

We lucked out with Panama winning the second semi-final, as there will be less fans rooting for the other team than had Colombia won, a team that can draw 25k on their own in North Jersey.

We will pepper the ticket booths with notes regarding 101 being a US only section, however with Concacaf/Ticketmaster running the show, we can't be guaranteed a General Admission section just for us. We can stand, play drums and sing, but it could be the case that- just like in the Semifinal- other fans will end up in the section not realizing it's a Sam's section. Limitations were put in place to prevent this, however we simply do not have control over the section the way other stadiums do during a normal USA game.

Sucks, we know, but this is the hand we were dealt. TIme for all of us to make every effort to get out there and turn this into a positive.

It is very important that all US Soccer fans provide our National Team with the significant home advantage they deserve. We look forward to your help in providing a loud & proud section. This games are not about club rivalries. All fans are welcome. We suggest wearing US gear, preferably wearing red. No club gear, please.

Moving onto the game (partial copy of earlier post):

Game Schedule:

Final : Sunday, July 24th

USA vs. Panama, 3pm

Seating



The Sam's Army/US Supporters Section is in Section 101, lower bowl. These are great seats, as players for both countries have to file underneath you to get on and off the field, perfect vantage point cheer the boys on or, you know, let the opponents know how you feel.

Feel free to bring additional drums, banners, flags, signs, etc.

Tickets

Tickets are $ 30 for our section, the cheapest in the stadium.

We have worked with the front office to reserve section 101 just for USA fans. As it's a Concacaf event, however, the MFO does not have control over it, nor will there be MFO representatives in the booths on game day.

Gate C is for will call pick up only. Gates B and D will sell 101 tickets.

At the moment, tickets for 101 are only available by pre-order through the Empire Supporters Club. On gameday, section 101 will be released for sale, and tickets can be purchased from the windows at gates B and D by the general public. First come, first served.

Our section will be filled with US fans standing, singing and playing drums. It is general admission in name only as Giants Stadium doesn't fully believe in the GA concept. You will be required to occupy only 1 seat and it is possible that some ticketmaster customers may end up in the section accidentally, looking for their seat. Again, we will have to deal with it.

Getting Sam's Army Tickets For the Final, July 24th:

1. You can paypal your order to escgear@yahoo.com.

If you do this, there is a $ 1 processing fee per ticket (since paypal takes a chunk). This $ 1 fee will be enforced, and if you do not include it in your order, you will be prompted for it on ticket pick-up. Should you choose to paypal your order, please also send an e-mail to empiresc@verizon.net to advise us of your name and your order.

All orders must be received by 1pm on Friday. Orders received after this time will not be accepted. Unfortunatley, this is the latest we can pre-order tickets.

You can pick up your tickets in lot 16A, near Gate C, from 1:00pm on.

2. You can purchase tickets on gameday at Gates B and D.

Request seats in section 101. The ticket booths open 2 hours prior to game time, so they should be open from 1pm on.

Parking & Tailgating

Parking is $ 15. (sucks, we know)

The US tailgate is in front of Gate C, in lot 16A. Map here.

The easiest way to get into 16A is via Plaza F, which can be a bit tricky to get into.

From GWB: Follow western spur of NJ Turnpike south (not towards Lincoln Tunnel). Get off at exit 16W, Meadowlands Complex. After exit, bear to the right, but make a left after Continental Airlines Arena, prior to going over the bridge. You will drive south alongside the Arena, continuing straight past the Bridge lot (on map above). At the end of the road, bear to the right and continue up ramp and around to the right, making a large U turn. Plaza F is immediately on your left at the end of the ramp.

From the south via NJ Turnpike: Follow western spur of NJ Turnpike (Towards George Washington Bridge, not towards Lincoln Tunnel). Get off at exit 16W. Bend around to the right and continue straight, towards Route 3 West, heading over the bridge. Once over the Bridge, make the first right onto the service road, which will bend around to the left, to Plaza F.

From NYC: Take Lincoln Tunnel, which turns into Route 3 West. Straight about 2 miles, then bear to the right, continuing on Route 3 West. Straight about 4 miles, over bridge, follow signs to Route 120 North. Once on Route 120 North, take the next right just after passing under the pedestrian bridge. Bend around to the right, and continue straight, up and over ramp, which is basically, itself, another large U turn. Plaza F is immediately on your left at the end of the ramp.

Note: They will charge for parking from 12pm onwards on Sunday. Before that, it's free.

If you want to be cheeky about it, advise them you are going to the racetrack, and they will give you a voucher. Go to the track (north of stadium), pay a $ 1 admission fee, and give them your voucher. They will give you the $ 15 back. Exit racetrack, saving $ 14.

Getting to GS on the Bus

You can take the bus from NYC's Port Authority Bus Station. Enter at 8th Avenue between 40th & 41st. Continue to the rear of the building, past Sbarro and up the small set of stairs to your left. You can purchase a round trip for $ 9 if you are taking option 1 below.

There are 2 ways to get to GS on the bus.

1. Take the Meadowlands Bus, leaving from 12pm onwards on Sunday.

This bus will leave from either Gate 207 (up escalator, follow signs) or from 41st between 8th & 9th ave. You can ask the agent who sells you tickets which gate your bus leaves from, they are right about 80% of the time. If it's leaving from the street, walk out the exit mid-block across from Sbarro, and the busses should be across the street. If it's from Gate 207, take the escalator next to Sbarro, make a left & follow signs to Gate 207.

This bus will drop you off at the bubble in front of Gate D, and picks up from the same spot. Generally, they will wait until full, and it's not uncommon for them to grossly underestimate how many people are going to the game.

Expect lines of 30 minutes plus on Sunday.

2. Take the 164 bus. This bus leaves every hour on the :50 (12:50, 1:50, etc). It's a good idea to remind the driver to stop at the Meadowlands, though the bus should stop there anyway. This bus leaves from gate 224 (up escalator from Sbarro, make a right). You can buy tickets from the vending machine for this bus, (Zone 3, $ 3.10 one way). It will deposit you outside gate B at GS. Note: you will need a $ 5 return ticket for the return bus, which picks up at Gate D, and you can buy a return ticket in cash on the bus (exact change only).

The return is easy, just show up outside the bubble near Gate D and wait for the bus. The first bus will leave after the first game ends (in theory, 5pm) and should run until 30 minutes after the game (5:30). Though, these schedules are both flexible and not disclosed, so they do keep you on your toes.

FAQs, Directions & Websites

Giants Stadium Venue Website, including maps & directions.

Official Gold Cup Website & Calendar

Port Authority Bus Web Site

1. What can I bring into the stadium:

PERMITTED ITEMS (all items are subject to inspection)

Plastic Bottles (One bottled water per fan with cap removed)
Binoculars
Still cameras (non-professional) that do not obstruct views of the field of neighboring guests.
Small purses and fanny packs
Seat cushions
Aramark bags containing just-purchased merchandise
Hand-held radios and TV's (fans will be asked to turn them on for inspection)

(You can bring a bag into the stadium, provided that you tell them you came on the Bus. If you have a bag, enter via Gate C and ask for bag check, they will hold your bag until the end of the game.)

You can bring flags & drums into the stadium, just tell them you are going to section 101. If you aren't going to section 101, they could give you a hard time.

PROHIBITED ITEMS (subject to change based on event without notice)

Large Bags, Backpacks, Briefcases (note bag check info above)
Coolers
Glass Bottles, Cans
Alcoholic Beverages
Thermoses
Umbrellas
Video Cameras, Recording Devices
Professional cameras and tripods
Pets (only service animals are permitted)
Aerosol Cans
Firearms
Knives (including pocket knives), Box Cutters or Weapons of any kind.
Chains
Hanging Banners, Signs, Sticks, Poles (the sticks/poles is strongly enforced)
Laser Pointers
Noise Makers, Whistles, Air Horns, Bull Horns
Fireworks
Clothing containing vulgar language
Drugs, Narcotics, Illegal Substances
Pepper Spray, Mace
Any item deemed by management to be dangerous or inappropriate

2. I have more questions:

Send an e-mail to empiresc@verizon.net

Thanks guys, and we look forward to seeing you out there.

GO USA![/QUOTE]