Edmonton Tickets Go On Sale Friday

EDMONTON, June 23, 2004 — After two convincing wins in Kingston last week against Belize, the Canadian Men’s World Cup Soccer Team has advanced to the next round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. At a press conference held today at Edmonton City Hall, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), the Edmonton local organizing committee and exclusive Diamond Sponsor CIBC announced Edmonton will host the second Canadian home game of the semi-final qualifying round on September 4th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. (local time).



At the press conference were:

•tFrank Yallop, Canadian Men’s World Cup Team Head Coach

•tKevin Montgomery, District Vice-President, Edmonton, CIBC

•tMembers from Edmonton’s local organizing committee.



Tickets for the game range from $19.00 – $39.00 for reserved seating and $8.00 for general admission seating.

Reserved seating tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 25, 2004 at all Ticketmaster outlets in Canada and can be charged by phone (780-451-8000) or online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Tickets for general seating are available by calling (780) 471-0889 or worldcupqualifier@albertasoccer.com.



Commonwealth Stadium will host the all-important game for Canada as they take on Honduras in the CONCACAF 2006 World Cup Qualifying semi-final round. Last time a national soccer team came to Edmonton, a city that boasts many passionate soccer fans, Commonwealth Stadium attracted almost 30,000 fans. It appears this game will be no different.



“We are very excited to be returning to Edmonton,” said Kevan Pipe, the Canadian Soccer Association’s Chief Operating Officer. “The support local soccer fans give our players is outstanding. We are very fortunate to have such fantastic fans and supportive sponsors. They have played and will continue to play a huge role in propelling our athletes to new heights.”



Earlier this year, CIBC announced its unprecedented, multi-year $4.3 million sponsorship of the Canadian Soccer Association, which helps all players and teams under the CSA umbrella including the Men’s World Cup team.



“I would like to congratulate all the players and coaches for their outstanding play in Kingston last week,” said Stephen Graham, CIBC’s Executive Vice-President, Personal and Small Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer. “They played exceptionally well and I wish them luck in the next round.”



“CIBC wants to make a real difference in amateur sport in Canada. To build a world-class amateur soccer system, we need the right talent, great coaching and the funding to make it happen,” added Graham. “With over 825,000 players and coaches registered with the Canadian Soccer Association, including close to 91,000 players from Alberta, Canada has a huge pool of talent and the will to be among the best in the world. As a Canadian corporate leader, CIBC is proud to provide the support that will ensure Canadian amateur soccer can thrive at both the local level and on the international stage.”



About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with almost nine million personal banking and business customers. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, the United States and around the world. To find other news releases and information about CIBC, visit the bank’s Press Centre at www.cibc.com.



About the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA)

Founded in 1912, the Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its members, is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of soccer for all Canadians at all levels. In this pursuit, the Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its members, is committed to providing leadership and good governance for the sport of soccer. For more information, visit migmultidev-canada-soccer.pantheonsite.io.