The English Premier League's Sunderland AFC is looking to build an American contingent in Music City.
Following its preseason friendly against European powerhouse Liverpool FC at Geodis Park on July 25, Sunderland will return to Nashville on Aug. 22 as part of the Premier League's "Coast to Coast" initiative, seeking to connect fans across the U.S. with English top-flight clubs.
As the Black Cats kick off the season against newly promoted Ipswich Town, Sunderland ambassadors will host a live watch party, looking to bring a glimpse of northern England to Nashville. The event, at a location still to be announced, will also include "interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, meet-and-greets with club legends, and more," according to a news
release.
"We have seen fans in the U.S. fully embrace soccer on a global stage, and we want to show them that it’s all here in the Premier League too. Fans, new and old can take part and support their clubs every weekend by getting up early to watch elite players and managers in the most competitive league in the world," Premier League U.S. managing director Akash Jain said. " ‘Coast to Coast’ will showcase the best parts of Premier League and club culture and kick off the new season in a welcoming and exciting environment to leave a lasting impression on all fans.”
No Premier League team outperformed expectations quite like Sunderland last season. It finished seventh in the standings, securing qualification into the UEFA Europa League in the club's first season since being promoted from the EFL Championship. This upcoming season will be Sunderland's first with European competition since 1973.
Sunderland is led by Swiss international captain Granit Xhaka, one of the Premier League's top midfielders last season, and Dutch forward Brian Brobbey, who had three goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Harrison Campbell can be reached at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sunderland planning August event to recruit Premier League fans in Nashville
