January 24, 2010 (Harrison, NJ) Red Bull New York announced that it will face Brazilian club, Santos, on March 20, 2010 in the official Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena. Beginning this Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 10:00 AM, Season Ticket Holders will also receive an exclusive three-day pre-sale window to purchase additional discounted seats to this match and the Red Bulls MLS Home Opener against the Chicago Fire on March 27.

The Red Bulls stadium is located just across the river from the Ironbound Section of Newark which has a large Brazilian-American community. The combination of Red Bulls fans and Brazilian soccer fans will undoubtedly fill the Red Bulls stadium on opening day.

"We are excited to invite one of the most prestigious clubs in South America to help us properly open our new home," said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Eric Soler. "Santos has a tremendous following globally, including within the vibrant areas located directly near Red Bull Arena. We're thrilled to face a quality squad that features elite players including Fábio Costa and Neymar in the lead-up to the MLS regular season."



"Our team has had the chance to open many stadiums around the world. To be part of the Grand Opening of Red Bull Arena allows us to celebrate another chapter of that history and move forward with the globalization of our brand," said Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, President of Santos.

Founded in 1912, Santos has a storied history in Brazil. Winners of 17 Paulista Championships, including in 2006 and 2007, Santos is renowned as being the first club where Pele, one of the greatest players in the soccer's history, started his career in 1956 when he was 15 years old. Santos has also won two Brazilian Championships in 2002 and 2004. Along with Pele, Santos has had many Brazilian stars in its ranks including Robinho, Giovanni and Elano.

Individual match ticket pricing for the Red Bulls-Santos match will be announced at a future date. The Red Bulls kick off their 2010 MLS Regular Season at Red Bull Arena on March 27, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET. Full Season Ticket Plans for the New York Red Bulls' first season at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ, are on sale now. Midfield seats in the 100-Level and sideline sections 107 and 112 are already sold out, but good seats are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com

Some local fans would love if the Red Bulls would change their name to the Red Bulls of Harrison. (Source Red Bulls Press Release & KOTW Contribution)