ESPN are to screen this years Emirates Cup pre-season curtain-raiser to be held on Saturday 30th July and Sunday 31st July.
Joining the Gunners at Emirates Stadium for this summer’s tournament will be three high profile teams from around the world – the New York Red Bulls, Paris St. Germain and Argentina’s Boca Juniors.
The tournament consists of four games with the first at 2pm on Saturday 30th July with Thierry Henry’s New York Red Bulls taking on Paris Saint-Germain, followed at 4.20pm with the hosts Arsenal playing Boca Juniors.
Sunday’s fixtures also start at 2pm, when Paris Saint-Germain take on Boca Juniors. Arsenal and New York Red Bulls will bring the competition to an exciting climax, kicking off the final match at 4.20pm on Sunday afternoon.
Teams will be awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw. The competition also rewards attacking play, with teams being awarded one point for each goal they score. In addition, shots on target will be counted and will be used to decide the tournament winners if teams are level on points and goal difference. The winning team will be presented with the Emirates Cup trophy after the second match on Sunday 31st July.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “We’re delighted and proud to once again be hosting the Emirates Cup this summer. Over the previous four years, the Emirates Cup has proved to be an overwhelming success and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of football.
“Nearly half a million supporters have now come to Emirates Stadium to attend the Emirates Cup in the four years, and the tournament is now recognised around the world as a prestigious pre-season event.
“Emirates Airline has been the proud sponsor of the Emirates Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2007 and we’re obviously delighted that they have decided to continue with this successful partnership.
“New York Red Bulls, Boca Juniors and Paris Saint-Germain are three clubs with great players and huge followings, and they are sure to make Emirates Cup 2011 a hugely exciting weekend of football. Also, I’m sure all Arsenal fans will be looking forward to welcoming back Thierry Henry – a true Arsenal legend.”