PORTLAND, Ore.
- In anticipation of their internationally intriguing match against Sunderland AFC of the English Premier League, the Portland Timbers are “hiding” 50 Nike soccer balls around Portland early Wednesday morning.
Each of the specially marked balls is good for two (2) complimentary tickets to the Timbers' highly anticipated match against Sunderland at PGE Park on Saturday, July 23. The balls are inscribed with the wording, “You Just Scored,” with instructions on how to present the soccer ball at the PGE Park box office for two free tickets to the match. Each lucky fan will be able to keep the high-quality Nike ball as a souvenir.
The soccer balls will be placed in plain view at assorted businesses, restaurants and other strategic places around downtown Portland as well as select locations in the surrounding area.
A member of the top professional soccer league in the world, Sunderland plays in the same circuit as internationally renowned clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. Known as the Black Cats, Sunderland is one of the oldest sides in the world and enjoys a global following that is expected to lend more than 300 traveling supporters to Saturday’s match at PGE Park.
Tickets for the match, which is being presented by Widmer Brothers, range from $13 to $30 and are currently available at area Ticketmaster outlets and the PGE Park box office. Specially discounted group packages are still available by calling (503) 553-5555, while Pavilion Suites are sold out for the event. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Timbers 'hide' 50 soccer balls good for two free tickets to July 23 Sunderland match

Reduced Price! Save on your seat to every match
An easy way to secure your seat to the Timbers remaining home matches this season - now for just $169. Book your seat via text and save on each ticket.
-
Matchday | Timbers celebrate 50th anniversary on Saturday night
-
5:27
"It's a big honor for me" | Diego Chara on being included in the All-Time XI
-
11:16
"It's why Portland has a strong history, because of those players out there" | Neville on team's 50th anniversary
-
1:14
Timbers host Minnesota as club celebrates 50th anniversary | The Matchup
-
Timbers reveal fan-voted All-Time XI in honor of 50th Anniversary season
-
Timbers All-Time XI, presented by Toyota: Midfielder Diego Chara
-
1:52
Midfielder Diego Chara | Timbers All-Time XI, presented by Toyota