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U.S. Bank Stadium Soccer Match Attracts Worldwide Fans

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It is finally game time at U.S. Bank Stadium after so much planning.

The venue will open its doors Wednesday night, and soccer players from across the world will christen the turf for the match between A.C. Milan and Chelsea F.C.

"People should expect some bumps tonight," event spokesperson Andrea Yoch said. "We are expecting 60,000 people. People should come early, know their security that everybody has to go through."

Some of those people, like Stef, crossed the pond from England.

Chelsea F.C. Fans At Brit's Pub
(credit: CBS)

"My first game with Chelsea was against A.C. Roma in the first cup in 1964," Stef said.

Stef and his son joined a hearty crowd of Chelsea fans who set up post at Brit's Pub in downtown Minneapolis.

"If we don't give the ball away we'll have plenty of possession, plenty of chances," he said.

We also talked with four friends who made the pilgrimage from our neighbor to the east.

"We're huge Chelsea fans," Milwaukee resident Mike Sucharda said. "And we wanted to see the brand-new stadium."

Yoch is hoping travelers packed some patience, warning that security lines may take a while.

"We're really hoping it's a loud, rowdy crowd and people really see what live soccer is like," Koch said. "I think America is ready, Minnesota is definitely ready. We are expecting to set the attendance records tonight for soccer in the state."

Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m.

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