Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain Are Headed to Columbus This Summer

Even if Columbus Crew SC can't get things on track, Black & Gold fans have something to look forward to this summer.

It was officially announced on Tuesday that the International Champions Cup is heading to Columbus' Ohio Stadium.

"We are very excited to work with The Ohio State University to bring this match," vice president of stadium partnerships at Relevant Sports Kwame Bryant said on Tuesday. "We've been working for countless months on bringing a game here and it wasn't supposed to be just any game. It had to be the right game because obviously with [Ohio Stadium], we wanted to make sure we did our best to fill the building."

The match will feature two of Europe's biggest clubs in Spanish giants Real Madrid and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"Soccer is a world sport," Ohio State vice president and athletic director Gene Smith said. "There's a lot of fans around soccer and we feel very comfortable on that particular day, July 27, we'll have an opportunity to showcase two of the greatest teams and most valuable teams in the world right here in The Shoe."

It is not just the Buckeyes that Relevant Sports is partnering with to bring this game to Ohio's capital city, but Crew SC as well.

"We're extremely honored to be aligned with this event," Crew SC president of business operation Andy Loughnane said.

"There are two superpowers that are playing here and I think whether you're are a fan of football or fútbol, this is a showcase event for the sport and the city and we're excited to be part of it."

In Real Madrid, fans will get to see the likes of global superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and James Rodriguez. They will have the opportunity to take in Europe's most successful club, having won the most European cup competitions of any team.

The Royal Whites also boast 32 La Liga titles and are coached by former World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane.

While PSG may not have the name recognition as a club of Real, they certainly have the stars. Zlatan Ibrahimović is the most recognizable player, but there is uncertainty about the striker's future at the club after this season. Even without Zlatan, the likes of Edinson Cavani, Thiago Silva, and former Real midfielder Angel di Maria should wet any soccer fan's pallet.

"Soccer is the world's sport. So these games will have global attention," Loughnane said. "So what that means is on July 27, all eyes literally around the world will be tuned into Columbus. No matter what time of day it may be in Europe or elsewhere throughout the world, Columbus will be the focus."

While the Black & Gold will not be featured in the match, working alongside Ohio State and Relevant Sports to bring this event to Columbus and Ohio Stadium marks a sort of homecoming for Crew SC.

"The history of Columbus Crew SC actually started right here at Ohio Stadium nearly 20 years ago," Loughnane said. "The success of our club largely was fueled by everything that began right here. So it's very fitting and we're honored to be standing by Relevant and Ohio State University in support of what is a landmark match for the city of Columbus."

This game marks another massive soccer event for the city of Columbus. Not only is the town home to the Black & Gold and both Ohio State's men's and women's teams, but it has hosted countless international matches and the United States Men's Soccer Team is undefeated when playing in Columbus including four 2-0 wins over rivals Mexico.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on April 5 with presale beginning March 29. Prices will begin at $35 for adults and there will be youth discounts in order to make this game accessible to everyone.