In February 2024, the largest Major League Soccer (MLS) preseason event in the league’s history will be held in the Coachella Valley.
For the third annual Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI), the League’s owners are bringing together 10 to 14 MLS teams to participate in exhibition games and training sessions at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
The unique training and exhibition event will take place from Feb. 4 – 17, 2024, and marks the largest MLS preseason event in the league’s history. Featuring the full rosters of players, coaches, and management from each team, CVI will provide club management with an opportunity to prepare for the 2024 MLS season in optimum weather at world-class facilities. It also will give fans unprecedented access to watch some of the league’s most decorated and popular teams in an intimate and informal setting.
The 10 teams that have committed thus far to the 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational: Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, New York City FC, the New York Red Bulls, the Portland Timbers, the San Jose Earthquakes and St. Louis City SC. The LA Galaxy is owned by AEG, which also has held an interest in several other teams.
A full schedule of exhibition matches will be open to the public and take place on the site made famous by the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles-based concert promoter behind the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals owned by AEG Presents, operates the fields at the Empire Polo Club. In October 2021, they signed a long-term agreement with the Empire Polo Club through 2050 for full operational control of the venue, opening the door for events year-round. AEG also controls the Coachella site, which is about 1,000 acres.
Major League Soccer Earlier this year, Forbes valued the Galaxy at $925 million, second-most in MLS, with operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $4 million.
For the last CVI, general admission for the All Event passes cost $114 and include access to the grounds and bleacher seats for all games played each day at the grounds. The VIP All Event pass cost $976 and provided a VIP tent with lounge seating, VIP Foodie Meets Street fare with refreshments (beer, wine and non-alcoholic options), VIP restrooms, and VIP bleachers.
The LA Galaxy Foundation Golf Tournament will also return to the Coachella Valley on Friday, Feb. 9 at Desert Willow Golf Resort. The event will give fans an opportunity to hit the links alongside LA Galaxy Players, Coaches, and Alumni while enjoying premium giveaways, games, and prizes.
During the Coachella Valley Invitational, the LA Galaxy will also be hosting the LA Galaxy Youth Development Camp. The camp will welcome children ages 6 to 14 looking to challenge themselves in an exciting environment while providing exclusive soccer experiences during a three-day session scheduled for Feb. 9-11.
Last year the MLS (Major League Soccer) and the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), the top men’s and women’s soccer leagues in the United States, reported record attendance for matches. With the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams competing in both world cups in the past 12 months, and the U.S. set to host the 2026 World Cup, more Americans than ever are following the sport.
Good news for the CVI, as the 2023-24 soccer season nears – both on a local and international scale – many anticipate this year’s soccer support in the U.S. will continue to soar. AEG is projecting attendance of over 20,000 for their MLS preseason event.
For more information about the Coachella Valley Invitational, check out their website at https://coachellavalleyinvitational.com/
