09 March 2024 , 07:00
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The first date of Wrexham's summer tour of the US has been announced with a rematch against Premier League side Chelsea at the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
The Hollywood-backed outfit previously headed stateside for a host of glamour exhibition games last year as part of an extended victory lap following their National League title success. After booking their place back in the EFL after a 15-year absence, Phil Parkinson's boys enjoyed clashes with Manchester United and Chelsea during a memorable trip across the pond.
Now, a rematch against the Blues is in the offing as Wrexham prepare to avenge a 5-0 defeat during their last meeting. The two-time European champions won on the opening night of the Welsh club's tour of North Carolina last July.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's team also will have the chance to tick off a bucket list item by lining up at the famous home of the 49ers - Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California - on July 24. Wrexham's players will also play two more games on their 'Wrex Coast Tour' with more matches set to be announced at a later date.
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Their second time in the States, their previous trip proved a resounding success as the cult following Wrexham now command became abundantly clear. Bankrolled by world-famous actors Reynolds and McElhenney, the club boasts a growing supporter base in America following the award-winning 'Welcome to Wrexham' docuseries.
The Dragons' trip to the US last year saw the club's promotion-winning stars awarded for their efforts during the previous campaign with a trip to Las Vegas - alongside exhibition matches dotted across the nation. Aside from their loss versus Chelsea, they recorded a 2-1 victory over a Manchester United XI in San Diego.
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Wrexham will head back over to the US for a glamourous exhibition clash with ChelseaOn top of this, they also dispatched of the LA Galaxy's second string in a 4-0 win in California, while an emotional game in Philadelphia produced a 1-1 draw. The final night of a landmark trip to America, the game in the birthplace of co-owner McElhenney represented a homecoming of sorts versus the Philadelphia Union.
Speaking with enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, Wrexham head coach Parkinson said: "We’re looking forward to returning to the United States for our summer tour, and the match at Levi’s Stadium against Chelsea promises to be an exciting and memorable occasion – as well as an important part of our pre-season preparations.
"It was a great privilege to meet fans in the US last summer, and we’re excited to see more of our passionate supporters in San Francisco in July."
Meanwhile, Chelsea's chief executive officer Chris Jurasek continued: "It is great to be playing Wrexham once again, following the success of last year’s encounter in Chapel Hill. We look forward to playing in front of our loyal supporters based in California at the Levi’s Stadium, which is sure to create a wonderful atmosphere."
Geoff Jones of event promoters TEG Sport added: "We are thrilled to be able to bring the iconic powerhouse club, Chelsea FC back to the US, as well as the captivating story that is Wrexham AFC back to California. Both clubs have exceptional followings globally and the match is expected to sell fast especially at the iconic Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara."