Who said football season was over? Footy is on its way back to St. Pete this January and February, thanks to the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.

As part of Philadelphia’s 10^th annual preseason training in Clearwater, they will host four closed-door matches in various stadiums in St. Pete and Clearwater. The headliner will be a friendly, open to the public, against Brazilian side Clube de Regatas do Flamengo at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete on Sunday, January 21. Tickets are available here.

Flamengo are not only the biggest and most popular team in Brazil, they are one of the most celebrated clubs on the entire South American continent, with tens of millions of fans spread across the globe. Having a game of this caliber and international renown is a huge get for the Sunshine City and the entire region, and will be sure to draw a massive crowd of Union and Flamengo supporters alike.

The Philadelphia Union have a longstanding relationship with St. Pete/Clearwater area. 2024 will mark their 15^th season in the MLS, and the 10^th that they’ve come to Pinellas County for preseason training and friendlies. We have to imagine the players and coaching staff don’t mind coming down to Florida for the winter.

Their closed-door matches in the area will be Tuesday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. vs. Austin FC (Al Lang Stadium, St. Pete); Saturday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. vs. New York City FC (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex); Friday, February 9 at 11:00 a.m. vs FC Cincinnati (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex); and Wednesday, February 14 at 12:00 p.m. vs New England Revolution (Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex).

“We’re so thankful for our long-standing partnership with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, as we enter our milestone 10^th consecutive preseason in Clearwater, Florida,” said Philadelphia Union President, Tim McDermott. “The City of Clearwater provides a beautiful backdrop and inviting community for our team as they prepare for the season ahead.”