The beginning of the Concacaf Gold Cup 2021 is around the corner and the prelims are about to kick off. Twelve sides will battle for the three remaining group stage spots to join the thirteen teams who have already sealed their places.
The 16th edition of the region's top competition will take place in the United States, whose venues are already getting prepared for the thousands of fans who will be watching the games in person.
Eleven stadiums from ten different cities will host the 2021 Gold Cup matches. With the tournament's kickoff getting close, it's time to take a look at each of the host cities and their arenas.
Arlington, Texas
Located in Tarrant County, Arlington is a city in the US state of Texas and according to the last census in 2019, it's the second-largest city in the county with a population of 398,854. Moreover, it's the seventh most populous city in Texas and the 49th in the US.
The University of Texas at Arlington is the city's major urban research university. In Arlington, there are many sports teams and venues. The AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys, is its largest sports stadium with a capacity of 80,000 spectators and it will host 2021 Gold Cup fixtures.
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the US state of Texas. The second most populous state capital city in the US, the 11th most populous city in the country, and the fourth in Texas, it has many rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, such as Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, the state park McKinney Falls, and the Colorado River.
Expansion side Austin FC began its MLS journey this year and its home Q2 Stadium was inaugurated recently. This venue with a capacity of 20,500 spectators will be hosting the 2021 Gold Cup games.
Dallas, Texas
Located in the US state of Texas, Dallas is the ninth most populated city in the United States and the third in its state. Its airport, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, is one of the largest in the world.
Named after a traditional annual college football post-season bowl game, the Cotton Bowl in Dallas will host 2021 Gold Cup games. It has a capacity of 92,100 spectators and it is expected to be opening at full capacity during the tournament.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
An attractive destination for tourists, Fort Lauderdale is recognized for its beautiful landscapes with unique beaches and fantastic weather. It is also located close to Miami, which is one of the most populous cities on the East coast.
Its DRV PNK Stadium is home to the MLS team Inter Miami and will host the Prelims of the 2021 Gold Cup. It will be one of the greatest sports events to take place in the brief history of this renovated stadium.
Frisco, Texas
One of the fastest-growing cities over the last years in the United States, Frisco belongs to the Dallas/Forth Word Metroplex, and it is highly praised for its school education.
Frisco's Toyota Stadium is home to MLS team FC Dallas and it will host Gold Cup games for the fourth time, after doing so in 2015, 2017, and 2019. It has a capacity of 19,096 spectators.
Glendale, Arizona
Located in Maricopa County in the state of Arizona, Glendale has a population of 252,381 according to the last census in 2019. It has several attractions such as the Adobe Mountain Desert Park, and festivals like the Glendale Chocolate Festival every February.
The State Farm Stadium is the multi-purpose venue located in Glendale where the Arizona Cardinals play their home NFL games. It has already hosted two Super Bowls and the 2021 Gold Cup will be the fifth time they will receive the soccer regional tournament.
Houston, Texas
The most populated city in the state of Texas, fourth in the US, and sixth in North America with a population of 2,320,268 according to the 2019 US Census, Houston became one of the most famous cities in the country.
Recognized for its development in culture, research, and medicine, it also has numerous sports teams and stadiums. Two of its venues will be hosting 2021 Gold Cup games: the NRG Stadium, and the BBVA Stadium.
Kansas City, Kansas
Kansas City is the third most populous city in the state of Kansas and it is the county seat of Wyandotte County. MLS side Sporting Kansas City is its most important sports team, and its home, Children's Mercy Park, is the greatest stadium in the city. This will be the fourth time it hosts the Gold Cup.
Las Vegas, Nevada
A world-renowned city, Las Vegas receives a lot of tourists for its entertainment, nightlife, gambling, and shopping. It is frequently visited for its impressive casinos, hotels, and it is called The Entertainment Capital of the World.
Domed stadium Allegiant Stadium was built in the past few years and it is home to the NFL team Las Vegas Raiders. This venue will host the 2021 Gold Cup final and it is expected to be receiving over 60,000 fans.
Orlando, Florida
A global city famously known for its theme parks, Orlando is one of the US cities with the most entertaining attractions. A countless number of tourists visit is parks every year, and the city also has been developing in sports.
Exploria Stadium will be hosting 2021 Gold Cup matches for the first time in its short history, as it was inaugurated on March 5, 2017, and it has a capacity of 25,500 spectators.
