Any news about Pele being at the Galaxy game on Saturday at HDC? I heard he was supposed to be there, it might just be a rumor.
On the Galaxy site it only says that soccer greats will be there without naming names which is wise in case someone doesn't show up. However, I have seen press reports that he is going to be there as well as mentions on the radio. I expect he will be. Friedel and Beckham are said to be expected as well and others too. Sorry, I don't have links handy.
I first heard about Pele being at the game in an e-mail from Tim Martin of the Galaxy office. Said e-mail is below. Dear Soccer Fan, June 7th, Opening day at The Home Depot Center is now just over 14 days and 21 hours away!!!! The LA Galaxy would like your family to be a part of this unique experience. As well as being the first ever soccer game at The Home Depot Center, you will see the 2002 MLS Cup Championship banner as it is raised, AND the best soccer player ever to walk this planet, Pele, will be in attendance. What an amazing experience for your children as they can say they saw the World's best ever soccer player in person!!!! At this time the Los Angeles Galaxy would like to offer your family the chance to witness this incredible event. Family four-packs for our youth soccer supporters can be customized to fit your needs from this basic packet. It is also available for the June 14th game. Please try to make it to one of the first two games ever at The Home Depot Center - witness soccer history in the making! Prices per seat are: Goal Line - $22 adult, $16 youth Corner - $30 adult, $25 youth Sideline - $45
He's a local and was the one who said. "You're making a mistake" when the original plans for the stadium did not include a roof. Uncle Phil also visited some Euro stadiums and agreed. I expect him there unless he's out of the country for some reason.
Beckham was in one of the HDC practice field today... http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/photo?slug=1054689847beckham_visit_rs101&prov=ap
Now that would make a nice headline in England's fine newspapers like The Sun. "Beckham In Training at USA Club Facility"
They just showed Beckham on KCAL 9 signing autographs on the practice field and file footage of Pele also. They showed Sigi and he promised a victory this Saturday. Nice shots of the stadium too. The markings are on the field now.
      Will Sigi run a victory lap around HDC if his team fulfills his promise? -G
I saw it on KMEX-TV ch.34 in Los Angeles that David Beckham visit at HDC yesterday (Tuesday afternoon). Mass media follow him around the HDC. British soccer star David Beckham of Manchester United runs practice drills with an unidentified member of an age 14-16 youth soccer league at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., Tuesday, June 3, 2003. Beckham took a break from a vacation trip to California and joined some 80 kids from all over Southern California as they practiced, but spent most of his time signing autographs and posing for photos, at the soccer clinic sponsored by an athletic equipment company. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
      Well, at least it's an entire pie instead of an entire chicken...       -G
What a thrill for those kids. Beckham gets a lot of stick - but he seems to be a really good guy even if he isn't one of world's keenest minds. Nice of him to stop by and and by default bring some Euro attention to our new stadium.