KTRV Fox 12 Professional Soccer Coming to Meridian
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Meridian, Idaho -- Professional soccer is coming to the Treasure Valley and they'll be playing at the Meridian Speedway on Friday, which up until now was only used for racing cars.
"Yeah, the only thing they could have done here before was throw rocks," said Ron Prado, a Hispanic community liaison.
"The infield had been dirt since about 1986," said John Wood, owner of the Meridian Speedway. "Before that they played high school football here."
The gravel and rock that used to be in the center of the track is now covered in grass. This new sod is being prepped for a professional soccer game of epic proportions.
"This is huge for the Treasure Valley," said Wood.
There will be two games at the Speedway featuring Club Deportivo Guadalajara, usually referred to by its nickname Las Chivas, Monarcas -- all stars from the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake.
"It's just one more activity and something else to offer the Treasure Valley that no other city is offering," said Wood.
Organizers are bringing in 2,000 extra seats to accommodate the crowds. They're expecting up to 8,000 people.
"We're looking forward to this giant event that could quite possibly be the largest sporting event ever held in Meridian," said Prado.
But first they've got to finish the field, which right now is just flooded sod. Wednesday the grass will be trimmed up and then on Thursday it will be lined. From there it's smooth sailing, except for one thing.
"I hope they have enough parking," said Prado.
This is part of a nine-game series through three northwest cities. Meridian is the first stop, then Salem, Ore., and finally Tukwilla, Wash. The action starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $20 to $25 unless you want VIP seating on the field. Then you'll need to fork out $40. Call the Meridian Speedway for more ticket information: 208-888-2813
