Newcastle United will play host to the very first 'Sela Cup' this summer, the club have announced. The Magpies will welcome Serie A side Fiorentina, French outfit Nice and La Liga club Villarreal to Tyneside for a mini tournament one week before the season gets under way.
Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August, the Magpies will face Fiorentina and Villarreal over consecutive days. Becky Langley's Newcastle United Women will also be in action at the home of the men's side, playing West Bromwich Albion in their first game since turning professional earlier this summer.
Fans will be able to watch the earlier kick-offs on both days, with French side Nice playing Villarreal on Saturday and Fiorentina on Sunday. The event, Newcastle say, has been made possible due to the club's new front-of-shirt sponsor Sela and event sponsors VisitMalta.
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Sela replaced Fun88 as the north east outfit's new sponsor earlier this summer, bringing in a much-needed commercial revenue boost, while promising to get to work planning, designing and building a new fan zone outside St James' Park.
Speaking after the pre-season games were announced, Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales said: "There is huge excitement going into the 2023/24 season, so to be able to give our supporters two days of football involving both our men's and women's teams is something that everybody is looking forward to.
"To be able to attract elite clubs from three of Europe's top leagues shows our ambition to grow as a club and the growing attraction of Newcastle United.
"I would like to sincerely thank our partners, Sela and VisitMalta, for making this possible. Having them on board to offer their expertise in delivering top class events and activations will ensure the tournament is a great weekend for everyone coming to St. James' Park."
Day tickets for Saturday or Sunday will be priced at £30 for adults and £15 for concessions. Weekend package tickets are available until 31st July and will be priced at £55 for adults and £25 for concessions.
SCHEDULE IN FULL
12.30pm, Saturday August 5 - Nice vs Villarreal
3.30pm, Saturday August 5 - Newcastle vs Fiorentina
6.00pm, Saturday August 5 - Newcastle Women vs West Bromwich Albion
1.00pm, Sunday August 6 - Fiorentina vs Nice
4.00pm, Sunday August 6 - Newcastle vs Villarreal
