The action in Chelsea and Wrexham’s preseason friendly on Wednesday may have been exciting, but it was hard to top the excitement created by the match in Chapel Hill. That buzz carried over onto social media, as fans, the teams, and organizers of the event shared posts detailing the special night of international soccer.

While the sporting side of the game was lopsided, the Blues and Dragons’ matchup represented the first international soccer game held in UNC’s Kenan Stadium and drew considerable attention. There was attention around Chelsea as it fielded a younger squad in its first action under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, while the match represented the first in the United States for Wrexham since the Welsh club’s fame skyrocketed from the “Welcome to Wrexham” streaming series. The match drew thousands of fans to Chapel Hill and paid off with a variety of fun experiences for fans.

There were several pre-game festivities around the college football stadium. Several people gathered around the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower on UNC’s campus for a Wrexham-themed fan zone that included a pop-up version of the bar attached to the Welsh club’s stadium. People also had the chance to learn more about the team, like with their Wrexham anthems and chants. Additionally, Chelsea fans visited the amphitheater near the Stone Center to hang out with fellow Blues supporters and many others tailgated near Kenan Stadium or visited shops downtown.

While the atmosphere ahead of the game was palpable, it paled in comparison to when the fans took their seats and the exhibition match kicked off. The announced attendance at the game was more than 50,000 people — with healthy splits between Chelsea supporters, Wrexham followers, and general fans of the sport.

Since the Wrexham Red Dragons were traveling stateside for the first time since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the team, there was speculation that the celebrities may attend the Chapel Hill match. Ultimately, neither made a public appearance at the game — although there was one Ryan Reynolds in attendance.

Kenan Stadium proven itself as a great venue for fútbol in addition to football, with a dramatic sunset providing a photogenic backdrop to the match’s opening minutes.

Unsurprisingly, there were several Carolina-themed moments during the match. UNC women’s soccer head coach Anson Dorrance spoke to his program’s notable ties and influences on the sport during halftime. The campus-based acapella group The Clef Hangers also performed the national anthem ahead of kickoff. Following the game, Man of the Match Ian Maatsen was awarded his trophy by UNC football head coach Mack Brown and men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis — while Carolina Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham shared his delight at the match’s success on social media.

While the entertainment impact on the field and during the game was clear, the economic and emotional impact were also evident. Executive Director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Laurie Paolicelli estimated that the Chelsea-Wrexham match generated around $20 million combined for the region. The match’s promoters also made a big financial commitment, donating $150,000 of the ticket proceeds to the UNC Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic and presenting them a check during a break in the game.

Wrexham players and staff went a step further, visiting patients and families at UNC Children’s Hospital hours before kick-off.

Several fans also shared their thanks to the teams for their time and interactions around the special event.

 

Neither Wrexham or Chelsea will stick around in Chapel Hill very long. The Red Dragons will play their next preseason match in Los Angeles as they take on the LA Galaxy II squad on Saturday, July 22. Chelsea, meanwhile, will make the trip north to Philadelphia to take on fellow Premier League competition Brighton & Hove that same evening.

 

Featured photo via AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker.

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