The New England Revolution has sold over 60,000 tickets for their upcoming match against Inter Miami at Gilette Stadium, setting the stage for what is expected to be the highest-attended home match in the history of the MLS charter club. The Revolution, founded by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, have played at Gilette Stadium alongside the Patriots since 2001. The stadium seats just over 65,000 people, making it one of a few MLS teams that play in a stadium mainly used for NFL games.
Inter Miami has seen commercial success since the arrival of Lionel Messi and other former FC Barcelona teammates like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Messi, a 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup champion, has helped boost ticket sales and viewership ratings for both Inter Miami and the MLS. By comparison, the Revolution averaged around 24,000 fans per game in 2023, with just over 29,000 attending their 2024 home opener. The upcoming Inter Miami match is expected to break the current Revolution attendance records for both regular season and playoff games.
Gillette Stadium has hosted international friendlies with over 60,000 fans in attendance, including matchups between Brazil and Mexico in 2007, and Spain and the U.S. in 2011. However, Messi’s anticipated appearance at the stadium, where Tom Brady once played, is likely to draw even larger crowds. Despite concerns over Messi’s recent hamstring injury, which has kept him out of matches since March 13, there is still hope that he will be able to play in the upcoming game against the Revolution.
The Revolution’s previous attendance records were set in 1997 during a match against the Tampa Bay Mutiny, and in 2002 during the MLS Cup final against LA Galaxy. With the anticipation of Messi’s presence at the Inter Miami match, the Revolution could potentially set a new record for both regular season and playoff game attendance. The excitement surrounding Messi’s arrival to the MLS has generated significant interest and support for the league, showcasing the impact of high-profile players on the sport’s popularity.
The Inter Miami match against the Revolution is a significant milestone for both clubs, as well as for the MLS as a whole. The buzz surrounding Messi’s involvement has created a heightened level of anticipation for the upcoming game, with fans eager to see the global soccer superstar in action. The record-breaking ticket sales and expected high attendance demonstrate the growing popularity and success of both clubs in the MLS, reinforcing the league’s position as a major player in the world of professional soccer.
As the date of the match approaches, fans and soccer enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness Messi and other top players in action on the field. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the event reflect the impact of high-profile players on the success and growth of the MLS, as well as the strong support and enthusiasm of fans for the sport. The upcoming Inter Miami match at Gilette Stadium is poised to be a historic event for the Revolution, Inter Miami, and the MLS as a whole, showcasing the continued growth and success of soccer in the United States.
