Indio, California - February 2025 - exact date to be announced in conjunction with the games
MLS Preseason at the Coachella Valley Invitational Meet & Greet
What:
An SMWW Meet & Greet to visit with fellow students, faculty, and SMWW guests in sports business at the Coachella Valley Invitational for the MLS Preseason. Bonus: See 10 MLS teams play in 2 days! Game tickets are separate from Meet and Greet registration.
When:
February 2025: To be announced based on MLS Next Game schedule.
Last year, in February 10th, 2024 we saw 8 MLS Teams play. After the games, friends of SMWW, scouts, players, staff, faculty, and MLS Executives, met for appetizers and drinks after the games at the Cochella Valley Empire Polo Grounds! We had a great turn out for both the games and the Meet & Greet. (Note: The Meet & Greet was after the last Saturday game at 4pm-7pm.)
Where:
Indio, Califorinia at the Tack Room Tavern, right next to the soccer fields at the Coachella Valley Empire Polo Grounds where the MLS Next action takes place!
Who:
Open to the public, our SMWW students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Join scouts, coaches, agents, athletes, soccer business minds, and future soccer leaders. Join Dr. Lashbrook, Liz Lashbrook, Matt Martin, Maikel Tsuji, Gordon Kljestan, Liam Ridgewell, Robert Vidrio, Eddie Rock, Joey Yusunas, and many more!
Why:
The 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational will be held at Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California. This event serves as preseason action for 10 Major League Soccer teams! You'll be able to attend multiple games a day and see as many as 8 teams play in a day! Come down and enjoy some winter sunshine in California and see Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Minnesota United, New York City FC, Phoenix Rising FC (USL), Portland Timbers, New York Redbulls, San Jose Earthquakes, and St. Louis FC.
Looking for tickets? You can purchase day passes through this link here!
What these games are:
The MLS has 3 locations hosting preseason games prior to the 2024 season. The Coachella Valley Invitational is the largest site with the most teams at 12. 11 are MLS teams and 1 USL team. The two weeks of competition are the last chance for teams to assemble and prepare their rosters for the upcoming season. These games will include an expanded roster of the main players and the very best of their second team or affiliated team players to determine who will make the final 30 man roster and who will move or stay on the second team roster. Teams use these games as final looks and is the most crucial stretch of preparation for these teams and a great chance for fans to see a large number of teams play in one location!
Buy your game tickets here: You can purchase day passes through this link here!
Information:
Registration fee includes An SMWW Soccer Scarf to assist you in recognizing fellow attendees!- Meet & Greet with snacks and drinks after the February 10th games with SMWW Faculty Dr. Lashbrook, Liz Lashbrook, Liam Ridgewell, Matt Martin, Maikel Tsuji, Gordon Kljestan, and many more!
Where to stay?
Look for Airbnbs and hotels in Indio, California
What airport should I fly in to?
- Palm Springs International (PSP) 23 miles to Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California
- Ontario, California (ONT) 91 miles to Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California
- San Diego, California (SAN) 134 miles to Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California
- Los Angeles International, California (LAX) 145 miles to Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California
