- by Tyler Walter, writing from Richmond, VA
The hosting situations for the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final closely resemble the 2010 final.
On Aug. 26, the United States Soccer Federation announced the possible stadium sites to host the 2011 final of the oldest continual knockout tournament in American soccer. Despite the host location, the final will be held on the evening of Oct. 4.
Just like 2010, should the two-time defending champions, Seattle Sounders defeat FC Dallas this evening and qualify for the final, they will host the final at Qwest Field, regardless of the opponent. Should the four-time Open Cup champions, Chicago Fire defeat third division side, and 1996 Open Cup winners, Richmond Kickers, the Fire will host the championship at Toyota Park, if FC Dallas defeats the Sounders. The only way Dallas, the 1997 Open Cup champions, can host the final in Pizza Hut Park is if the Kickers defeat the Fire, meaning the Kickers will not host the final at City Stadium, regardless of any outcome.
