The Turkish men's national soccer team will train at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa beginning June 8, bringing a wave of excitement to the Valley's Turkish community ahead of the World Cup. This training will take place just days before the tournament kicks off on June 11, drawing attention from fans and community members alike.
Why it matters: The arrival of the Turkish team is a historic moment for the local Turkish community, which numbers approximately 4,000 residents in the Valley. Community members are eager to show their support and pride as the team prepares for global competition.
- The Turkish men's national soccer team will train at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa beginning June 8.
- The World Cup begins June 11.
- An estimated 4,000 people of Turkish descent live in the Valley.
- Community members are planning to welcome the team by cooking for the players and greeting them at the airport.
Driving the news: The Turkish team's training camp marks the first time the Arizona Athletic Grounds has was a World Cup training site. This event is expected to generate considerable interest and economic activity in the area.
- The Arizona Athletic Grounds will open its gates to the public once during the Turkish team's stay on June 8 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Tickets for the public event are free and will be available on the Arizona Athletic Grounds website.
- Three pitches at the facility will be used by the Turkish team.
- Visit Mesa projects the event will generate $3 million in economic activity for the area.
State of play: The local Turkish community is mobilizing to create a welcoming atmosphere for the team. Plans include cooking traditional meals and organizing a warm reception at the airport.
- Mustafa Uygur, a local business owner originally from Istanbul, expressed his excitement: "It's a dream. We don't want to leave them alone. As soon as they come in, we just want them to feel that they are in Turkey when they're here," he said.
- The excitement is expected to draw visitors from beyond Arizona, with attendees anticipated from other states.
The big picture: As the Turkish national team prepares for its World Cup debut, the community engagement reflects a broader trend of local support for international sporting events.
- FIFA pays close attention to every detail to meet the highest standards for World Cup training camps, ensuring that facilities like Arizona Athletic Grounds are equipped for elite training.
- David Hayes, a spokesperson for the Arizona Athletic Grounds, affirmed the facility's world-class status, stating, "The standards of the game and the training is going to be world class. I think Arizona is being recognized as a world class facility."
What they're saying: The local community's enthusiasm is evident, with many expressing their eagerness to support the team.
- One community member noted the significance of the event, highlighting how it brings together the Turkish diaspora in the Valley.
- Many locals are sharing their excitement on social media, discussing their plans for the team's arrival and training sessions.
By the numbers: The event is expected to have a sizable economic impact on the local economy.
- Visit Mesa estimates that the training camp will generate $3 million in economic activity.
- The Arizona Athletic Grounds will host the Turkish team for several days leading up to the World Cup.
What's next: Fans and community members are encouraged to participate in the welcoming activities planned for June 8.
- The public event at the Arizona Athletic Grounds will allow fans to meet the team and engage with the players.
- Tickets will be available through the Arizona Athletic Grounds website, ensuring that everyone has a chance to partake in this historic moment.
The anticipation surrounding the Turkish national soccer team's arrival in Mesa is a reflection of the community's spirit and pride as they prepare to support their team on the world stage.