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Starting tomorrow the festivities surrounding the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game kick off. There are soccer showcases, movies, concerts, and plenty of other events, all culminating in Wednesday's match between the MLS All-Stars and European Champions Bayern Munich.
The week's highlights include concerts headlined by the Flaming Lips and Cold War Kids, appearances by players Kyle Beckerman and Darlington Nagbe (which is a little strange given that he is not on the All-Star roster), and open training sessions for the All-Stars and Bayern Munich.
Flying under the radar is the Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game, which will feature a side of MLS homegrown players, including the Timbers' own Steven Evans, taking on the Portland Timbers U-23s.
Also featuring some local talent will be the Generation Adidas ESP Showcase, with three teams of talented American youth players and the Bayern Munich U-16's taking each other on in a round-robin tournament. On the All-Star Youth West team will be a two Oregon based youngsters: Cascades FC keeper Benjamin Orozco Jr. and Portland Timbers Academy midfielder Jose Benavides.
The full schedule for the week leading up to the ASG can be found here. Which events are you looking forward to? Which are you going to attend? Share your All-Star Game plans in the comments below.
From the Timbers' press release:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
MLS Flicks on Bricks | 9-11 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
Free screening of the classic soccer film Sixty-Six.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
MLS Experience presented by adidas | 12-9 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
Timbers vs. LA Galaxy viewing party, small-sided games, photo activations and more.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Rose Pedal presented by Volkswagen | 10 am – 12 pm | Waterfront Park
Free community bike ride around Portland featuring All-Star activities during the ride.
Volkswagen Stumptown Criterium | 12-5 pm | North Park Blocks
Watch elite cyclists race through downtown and enjoy activations from Volkswagen.
MLS Experience presented by adidas | 12-9 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
All-Star player appearances; small-sided-games and photo experience continue.
MLS Experience and Concert at Waterfront Park | 12-7 pm
A celebration of soccer with a free, live concert by Flaming Lips presented by AT&T at 5 pm.
MONDAY, AUGUST 4
MLS Works/Timbers Community Day | 10 am - 4 pm | Montavilla Park
Field dedication with free activities and games. Official dedication at 2:30 p.m.
MLS Experience presented by adidas | 12-9 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
All-Star programming continues.
Chipotle Homegrown Game | 7 pm | Providence Park
Catch the up-and-coming Homegrown players from across MLS. Get your free tickets here.
Men in Blazers Podcast | 9-10 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
Join Michael Davies and Roger Bennett as they host a live show of the Men in Blazers podcast.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5
Open Training Sessions – Bayern Munich and MLS All-Stars | 10 am – 2 pm | Providence Park
Enjoy these free training sessions. Bayern Munich training will run from 10 – 11:30 am and theMLS All-Stars from 12:30 – 2 pm. Gates open at 9:30 am. No ticket required.
MLS Experience presented by adidas | 12-9 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
All-Star programming continues. Cold War Kids free concert at 9 pm.
Special Olympics Unified Game | 2-3 pm | Providence Park
The match will highlight the Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer teams and the partnership’s exchange programs working in conjunction with various MLS clubs.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6
MLS Experience presented by adidas | 12-9 pm | Pioneer Courthouse Square
All-Star programming continues.
MLS Experience to the Match | 4:30-6:30 pm | Starting at Pioneer Courthouse Sq./Director Park
Enjoy interactive activities, giveaways and more on your way to Providence Park.
AT&T MLS All-Star Game | 6:30-9 pm | Providence Park
FC Bayern Munich vs. MLS All-Stars in MLS's mid-season showcase. As part of the festivities, a free viewing party of the match, presented by adidas, will be hosted at Pioneer Courthouse Sq.