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Liverpool and Manchester United faced off in friendly competition in SEC Country on Saturday, squaring up in Columbia, SC. Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the South Carolina Gamecocks, was the locale for that exhibition.
While the turnout created some incredible scenes in the (American) football venue, it was clear that visitors weren’t ready for some aspects of life in the southeast.
The matchup was announced earlier this year as part of the Rivals in Red Tour, which brought two of soccer’s biggest brands across the pond to the United States.
That tour hit three cities, with games also being played on the West Coast and in the northeast. Los Angeles kicked things off on July 27th, with Philadelphia following on July 31.
Columbia capped the tour with a finale event on August 3.
Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United, are set to make history this summer at Williams-Brice Stadium when they face off on August 3 as part of the three city, Rivals in Red Tour. The match will bring the Premier League titans together for the biggest international soccer match in the history of the state.
Fans flooded South Carolina’s capital city, coming out in droves to catch highly anticipated contest. While there, they were introduced to SEC Country.
Food was a topic of conversation for those unfamiliar with the Palmetto State. Grits were on everyone’s menu!
Breakfast this morning here in South Carolina.
Manchester United & Liverpool are also here but not sure if grits were on their menu.
Stewart Robson with me for ESPN 📺 & world feed coverage later from Columbia, SC. pic.twitter.com/QbqJS522UU— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) August 3, 2024
The heat was also a talking point.
Highs in Liverpool and Manchester typically sit in the high 60s this time of year. They were introduced to a stark change when visiting the city that embraces the tagline “Famously Hot.”
Despite a rainstorm bringing some relief, temperatures reached the 90s – and it felt hotter.
This is the hottest place on the planet
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) August 2, 2024
It didn’t stop anyone from having a good time, though!
Liverpool defeated Manchester United, 3-0.
The scenes at Williams-Brice Stadium were incredible. A packed house got to take part in the tailgating and festivities that we see every fall Saturday in the SEC.
And staying on brand, “Sandstorm” blared across the loudspeakers during breaks.
Our stadium atmosphere is undefeated #RivalsInRed pic.twitter.com/XxJ5LPqeKw
— David DeWeil (@daviddeweil) August 4, 2024
After the game, players commented on the atmosphere. Most left impressed!
“It was a good atmosphere,” said Man U’s Rhys Bennett. “It’s 77,000 people. It’s something that we haven’t done too much… It’s a new experience for us [playing in front of that many people].”
The game wrapped up the Rivals in Red Tour for this season. Hopefully, trips to the US will continue to stay on the books.