05.27.25 | Watch episode one of the Burgers & Banter series, featuring Canadian natives, Noble & Triston. Catch them chatting about funny memories, embarrassing moments, and football.
Presented by Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers.
Up to 20 matches and USL Championship Final selected to air across the company’s Spanish-language networks for the 2024 season
TAMPA, Fla. (June 12, 2024) – The United Soccer League (USL) and TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company, announced today a media partnership that will bring more thrilling soccer to Spanish-speaking fans across the country with select matches from the USL Championship to air on TUDN throughout the remainder of the 2024 season.
As part of the announcement, TelevisaUnivision unveiled the first 11 regular season matches will air on TUDN, the nation’s leading Spanish-language sports network, kicking off with a doubleheader this Saturday, June 15, featuring heavyweight clashes between Indy Eleven and San Antonio FC (7:00pm ET) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC versus Orange County SC (9 p.m. ET).
Phoenix Rising’s match at Orange County on Wednesday, September 25 will air on TUDN. The Spanish-language broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Arizona. TUDN will air the USL Championship Final on Sunday, November 23.
“TelevisaUnivision has a direct line to passionate soccer fans in our country,” said Court Jeske, USL Chief Commercial Officer. “The USL Championship is growing every year, and we are thrilled to partner with TelevisaUnivision to continue that growth by bringing the excitement of our top league to a whole new audience – one that loves the game and respects an authentic soccer experience. Alongside CBS Sports, ESPN, and 24 local linear partners, TelevisaUnivision is the final, important piece of our strategic plan to be the most widely accessible domestic soccer league in the United States.”
TelevisaUnivision is the soccer leader in the U.S. regardless of language, accounting for more than 50% of soccer viewing on all of television. The company’s robust sports portfolio includes rights to Liga MX, Liga MX Femenil, CONMEBOL Copa America, UEFA Euro 2024, UEFA Champions League and Concacaf Nations League, among others.
“We are happy to partner with the United Soccer League and its clubs, providing coverage of the growing league and exciting matches to our passionate audience across the country,” said Marco Liceaga, Senior Vice President of Sports Rights Acquisitions and Commercial Partnerships at TelevisaUnivision. “Adding United Soccer League to our unrivaled soccer rights portfolio furthers our mission of serving fanáticos, solidifying TelevisaUnivision as the home of the beautiful game in America.”
Initial schedule of matches selected to air on TelevisaUnivision networks below (times in ET)
Saturday, June 15 7:00 PM Indy Eleven San Antonio FC
Saturday, June 15 9:00 PM Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Orange County SC
Saturday, August 10 7:30 PM Charleston Battery Memphis 901 FC
Sunday, August 11 5:00 PM Indy Eleven New Mexico United
Wednesday, August 28 9:00 PM Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Memphis 901 FC
Friday, September 6 7:30 PM Louisville City FC Loudoun United FC
Wednesday, September 25 10:00 PM (7 PM local) Orange County SC Phoenix Rising FC
Wednesday, October 2 7:30 PM Louisville City FC Miami FC
Saturday, October 5 4:00 PM Charleston Battery Detroit City FC
Wednesday, October 9 7:00 PM North Carolina FC FC Tulsa
Saturday, October 19 4:00 PM Detroit City FC Miami FC
Sunday, November 23 TBD USL Championship Final
About TelevisaUnivision
TelevisaUnivision is the world’s leading Spanish-language media company. Powered by the largest library of owned Spanish-language content and a prolific production capability, TelevisaUnivision is the top producer of original content in Spanish across news, sports and entertainment verticals. This original content powers all of TelevisaUnivision’s platforms, which include market-leading broadcast networks Univision, Las Estrellas, Canal 5 and UniMás, and a portfolio of 38 cable networks, which include TUDN, Galavisión, Distrito Comedia and TL Novelas. The company also operates the leading Mexican movie studio, Videocine, and owns and operates the largest Spanish-language audio platform in the U.S. across 35 terrestrial stations and the Uforia digital platform. TelevisaUnivision is also the owner of ViX, the largest Spanish-language streaming platform in the world. For more information, please visit televisaunivision.com.
Rising opens the 2024 season tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix Rising FC has upgraded its food and beverage operation by partnering with BLT Kitchens (Parent Company of Aioli Gourmet Burgers and AZ Lemonade Stand), the defending USL Championship side announced today.
“Another area we have been working to upgrade this offseason is our food and beverage offerings,” said Phoenix Rising FC President Bobby Dulle. “BLT Kitchens has a wide variety of food trucks featuring local cuisine, unique branding opportunities for the club and the passion to take our concessions to the next level. I’m excited to unveil the special deals they’ll be offering this season along with the player-themed food items.”
BLT Kitchens is a culinary kitchen with three area locations. The group operates a fleet of local food trucks, which will cycle through Phoenix Rising Stadium throughout the season. For the home opener tomorrow, March 9 at 7:30 vs. Birmingham Legion the following food trucks will be available: Aioli Burger, AZ Lemonade Stand, Chewk’s Cookies, Gabe the Food Truck, Oliane’s Caribbean, Return of the Brisket, Copperstate, Bro’s Seafood, Nog Dog, Re De Roma Pizza, Mama Lola’s and Super Mac Bros.
“Our goal is to grow along with the defending USL Champions,” said BLT Kitchens Owner Kyle Hollenbeck. “Our goal is to create a culinary experience like none other in sports.”
BLT Kitchens will honor Phoenix Rising Season Ticket Member staples such as the 15% off purchases at select vendors and Rising happy hour, which will begin an hour prior to kickoff of each match. Rising happy hour will offer drink discounts to fans that arrive early. BLT Kitchens will also raise the standard of drinks in the venue through a collaboration with Iconic Cocktails.
The partnership will also introduce a three-point, $3 value menu, which will be activated for the next home game anytime Rising wins (a win tomorrow would activate the $3 value menu on March 23). The three-point, $3 value menu will include a:
Another featured truck this season will be Spicy Candy Bar and the flagship food truck of the fleet, Aioli Burger, led by Chef Tom D’ambrosio. D’ambrosio is a Food Network Chopped Champion and multiple year winner of Best Burger in the Phoenix New Times. He has also won the Scottsdale Culinary Fest Burger Battle.
The AZ Lemonade “Stand” at Phoenix Rising Stadium will be the first place in the valley to try Rising Lemonade, a spotlight collaboration between the club and AZ Lemonade’s raspberry flavor. Rising Lemonade will soon be available in stores across Arizona.
About BLT Kitchens
Our story is simple. We are two life-long friends who had one goal in mind: to create a quality product and bring it to hungry people throughout the valley. Aioli Burger started with one food truck in Phoenix, grew into three tucks, became a full catering company, and now we have two brick and mortar burger joint locations. When it came to choosing our first restaurant location it was an easy decision. Let’s go back to where it all started: the neighborhood where we grew up, right there on 32nd Street and Shea.
Whether you’re in the mood for the juiciest hamburgers Phoenix has to offer, a fresh salad, or a refreshing shake, there is something on the menu for everyone. Aioli Burger recently made ABC 15’s list of five burgers you must try in Arizona with the truffle burger coming in at No. 4. Also, our food truck in Phoenix is a regular on ABC 15’s A-List for food trucks in the valley.
About Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona history. Established in 2016, the club won the 2023 USL Championship as well as the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference Titles. Rising won USL Championship’s 2019 Regular Season Title and holds the record for the longest win streak in American professional soccer history (20 matches). It is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba, Advantage Sports Union CEO, Alex Zheng, club chairman Berke Bakay and an impressive collection of local business leaders and international celebrities.
Phoenix Rising FC plays in the USL Championship. For season tickets or more information call 623-594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub) or by downloading the Official Team App in the App Store or Google Play.
Rising’s 2024 broadcast schedule finalized with the addition of eight free matches on GOALAZO Network
Phoenix Rising FC has finalized its broadcast schedule for the 2024 season, bringing production of all home matches in-house through a partnership with local end-to-end live video transmission and production company Bitfire.
“A point of emphasis for us this offseason has been improving the in-stadium experience,” said Phoenix Rising FC President Bobby Dulle. “Moving forward, the replays on our video board will be top level. We’ll also be able to control one of the cameras to enhance the fan experience and coordinate features during a home broadcast.”
Bitfire’s state of the art technology will allow Rising to transmit the full broadcast directly to the club’s video board in real time, providing fans in-venue with the same high-quality replays available via Arizona’s Family television broadcast.
“We are honored to be chosen by USL Champion, Phoenix Rising to be its live broadcast and in-game partners for this upcoming season,” said Bitfire CEO Bob Sullivan. “BitFire’s proprietary transmission and remote production capabilities at our Phoenix studios fit perfectly with Rising’s strategy and commitment to make the in-game experience and broadcast experience the best it can be for their fans.”
Calling the matches in-stadium will be Joe Lowery and Killian McClatchey.
Lowery is a Phoenix native that has covered Rising and serves as an American soccer analyst for ESPN, The Athletic and The Guardian. He’s the founder of Backheeled.com, the home for premier independent coverage of soccer in the United States. Lowery served as a color commentator for Rising Radio, the club’s in-house audio broadcast produced by students from ASU, last season.
McClatchey has spent the past six years as the voice of Charleston Southern University. He has featured on numerous NCAA programs on the ESPN family of networks during that time and served as the play-by-play talent for several Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches and the NAIA National Championship. McClatchey is a 2019 graduate of the Walter Cronkite School at ASU.
Per USL’s announcement on Tuesday, Phoenix Rising will be featured eight times on GOALAZO this season, beginning with a March 16 (7 p.m.) broadcast of the match in Monterey Bay. Games featured on GOALAZO are free to stream but will not be available on ESPN+. Those eight matches will also be simulcast locally on Arizona’s Family networks – Arizona’s Family Sports (44) and 3TV.
Rising will also be featured five times on national television, twice on CBS Sports Network (May 11 & July 19), twice on ESPN2 (June 22 & Sept. 6) and once on CBS (Aug. 3). Per Rising’s local agreement with Arizona’s Family, the club will appear on CBS 5 locally on March 23. Rising will also feature six times on 3TV during the regular season, beginning with the home opener this Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for that match are still available at PHXRisingFC.com or by calling 623-594-9606.
Where to Watch USL Matches
2024 Phoenix Rising Broadcast Schedule | |||||
Date | Broadcast | AZ Time | Home Team | Away Team | Streaming |
Saturday, March 9 | 3TV/AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Birmingham Legion | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, March 16 | AZFS | 7:00p | Monterey Bay | Phoenix Rising | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Saturday, March 23 | CBS 5 | 7:00p | Phoenix Rising | Oakland Roots | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, March 30 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | New Mexico United | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Friday, April 5 | AZFS | 5:30p | FC Tulsa | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, April 13 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Colorado Springs | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, April 20 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Pittsburgh Riverhounds | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Friday, April 26 | AZFS | 4:30p | Rhode Island FC | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, May 4 | 3TV/AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Sacramento Republic | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, May 11 | CBS Sports | 6:30p | Detroit City | Phoenix Rising | N/A |
Saturday, May 18 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Miami FC | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Saturday, May 25 | AZFS | 4:00p | Indy Eleven | Phoenix Rising | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Saturday, June 1 | AZFS | 7:30p | Las Vegas Lights | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, June 8 | 3TV/AZFS | 8:00p | Phoenix Rising | Orange County | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Saturday, June 15 | AZFS | 6:00p | El Paso Locomotive | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, June 22 | ESPN2 | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Charleston Battery | N/A |
Friday, June 28 | AZFS | 5:30p | Memphis 901 | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, July 6 | AZFS | 6:00p | San Antonio | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Friday, July 19 | CBS Sports | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | El Paso Locomotive | N/A |
Friday, July 26 | AZFS | 4:30p | Hartford Athletic | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, August 3 | CBS 5 | 1:00p | Colorado Springs | Phoenix Rising | N/A |
Saturday, Aug. 10 | AZFS | 8:00p | Phoenix Rising | Tampa Bay Rowdies | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Saturday, Aug. 24 | AZFS | 8:00p | Phoenix Rising | North Carolina | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Aug. 31 | AZFS | 4:30p | Loudon United | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Friday, Sept. 6 | ESPN2 | 8:00p | Phoenix Rising | FC Tulsa | N/A |
Saturday, Sept. 14 | AZFS | 7:00p | Sacramento Republic | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Sept. 21 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | San Antonio | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | AZFS | 7:00p | Orange County | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Sept. 28 | 3TV/AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Las Vegas Lights | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Friday, Oct. 4 | AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Monterey Bay | GOALAZO/AZF APP |
Wednesday, Oct. 9 | AZFS | 6:00p | New Mexico United | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Oct. 12 | AZFS | 7:00p | Oakland Roots | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Oct. 19 | 3TV/AZFS | 7:30p | Phoenix Rising | Memphis 901 | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Saturday, Oct. 26 | AZFS | 4:30p | Louisville City | Phoenix Rising | ESPN+/AZF APP |
Phoenix Rising FC fans can once again use their tickets as Valley Metro Rail fare when travelling to the 38th St/Washington station on matchdays, the defending USL Champions announced today.
The club will partner with Valley Metro for the second consecutive season after it saw the ridership at the 38th St/Washington soar 45% on gamedays. Access from Phoenix Rising Stadium to the light rail station was so seamless, the team rode Valley Metro to its championship celebration party at CityScape in downtown Phoenix along with Mayor Kate Gallego in November.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Phoenix Rising and provide fans with the exciting opportunity to combine their love for soccer with the convenience of public transit,” Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said. “The remarkable increase in ridership on matchdays highlights the success and positive impact of this collaboration. We can’t wait to serve thousands more Rising fans this season.”
The partnership includes several branding initiatives, including dedicated signage at the 38th St/Washington station, located a few hundred feet from Rising’s stadium. That station averaged 730 boardings on gamedays while the highest single-game increase in ridership came at the home opener on April 1, when the station served a total of 1,300 passengers.
“Having our stadium on the Valley Metro line is one of the best aspects of this location,” said Phoenix Rising President Bobby Dulle. “It quickly became a very popular way for our fans get to the stadium last season. We are excited to continue this partnership with Valley Metro and encourage fans to take advantage of this convenient, safe and enjoyable experience when traveling to and from our home matches.
Rising fans can catch Valley Metro Rail, with their fare covered at any of the 41 stations across the Valley, leaving any worries about traffic and parking behind. Match tickets will double as valid light rail fare on the day of the event four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day.
About Valley Metro
Located in the fastest-growing county in the U.S., Valley Metro connects people to their most important destinations each day. Riders travel across the metro-Phoenix area on eco-friendly public transit including bus, light rail, paratransit and streetcar. Progress continues on additional high-capacity transit extensions that are either in planning or under construction to create a 50-mile rail system by 2030. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors from 19 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. In addition to federal and local funds, Valley Metro receives critical capital and bus operations funds from Prop. 400, the 20-year, regional half-cent transportation sales tax that is set to expire in 2025. Stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X or by visiting valleymetro.org and downloading the Valley Metro app.
Phoenix Rising has partnered with the East Valley Institute of Technology for the 2024 season.
“It is important for Rising to partner with organizations that are focused on building strong communities,” said Rising’s VP of Business Operations, Joey Castor. “East Valley Institute of Technology certainly excels in that area. We look forward to working with them to elevate the experience of their students, promote the valuable education opportunities at EVIT and create a strong fanbase for Phoenix Rising in Mesa.”
The defending USL Champions and the best high school radio station in the country, The Pulse 88.7 FM, will team up to broadcast the club’s eight theme night matches throughout the Valley this season. Select EVIT students will also be able to gain experience by attending Phoenix Rising matches as credentialed media.
“We could not be more excited about our partnership with Phoenix Rising, the defending USL Champions,” said Michael Mallace 88.7 The Pulse General Manager. “This collaboration exemplifies our shared values and creates synergies that benefit the community, our students, fans and listeners. This partnership is a win-win for everyone.”
In addition to on-air promotion of the club and coverage of its charitable initiatives, EVIT will host a school’s out event at its main campus (1601 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, May 18. The event will include a fundraiser ticket link with proceeds benefitting EVIT as well as a March to the Match, where students will board the Valley Metro Light Rail at the Sycamore/Main St station in Mesa and ride to Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St/Washington. Rising’s agreement with Valley Metro allows fans to use their match ticket to cover light rail fare on gamedays.
About 88.7 The Pulse and EVIT 88.7 The Pulse (KVIT-FM)
A full power FM community-supported Hit Music station and one of the most powerful High School radio stations in America, 88.7 targets young adults and families all over the Valley. It is operated by the staff and students of the Radio and Audio Production Department at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT). You can listen to 88.7 The Pulse, free over the air, on our website 887thepulse.com or on our app 88.7 The Pulse AZ on apple or android.
The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is one of the best resources for Arizona students’ success. EVIT provides high school and adult students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. On average, 91% of EVIT students are in jobs related to their training, college, or military within a year of completing their program. EVIT adds to a student’s academic instruction with hands-on learning provided by experienced professionals. Allowing high school students to earn elective credits to satisfy graduation requirements in more than 40 occupation-specific programs, EVIT enhances the future of all students.
Phoenix Rising FC has partnered with American autonomous driving technology company Waymo for the 2024 season.
“Waymo is an exciting brand in the Valley that shares a lot of the same values as Phoenix Rising,” said Rising President Bobby Dulle. “We connected immediately on several initiatives that can help lift the local community such as delivering birthday cakes to foster children. We plan to use Waymo to assist our players in traveling to and from one of the hundreds of community appearances we conduct each season, whether it’s a Reading with Rising event, a soccer clinic, or an inclusivity event with our partners at ONE Community.”
Rising and Waymo have plans to announce additional offers for fans interested in using the company’s Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to attend Rising matches this season. Both organizations are also partnered with Valley Metro, which allows fans to take a Waymo to their nearest light rail station and catch a ride on Rising to any match this season.
“Waymo is proud to partner with Phoenix Rising to offer accessible, stress-free transportation for players and fans alike,” said Nicole Hogan, Waymo partner marketing manager. “We all know that traffic, parking and other logistics headaches make attending sporting events difficult. With the Waymo Driver at the wheel, Rising players can avoid those burdens and arrive at matches and team events with fresh legs and their heads already in the game.”
About Waymo
Waymo One currently operates 24/7 across 225 square miles of Metro Phoenix. The Waymo Driver has tens of millions of miles of real-world driving experience through countless situations – the equivalent of driving to the Moon and back more than 40 times.
Online Auto Retailer Renews Partnership with USL Champions, Expands Uniform Sponsorship to Youth Teams
Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars, announces the multi-year extension of its partnership with Phoenix Rising FC. The renewal marks another chapter in the dynamic collaboration between the two Valley-based entities.
“I am thrilled to once again be extending our partnership with Carvana,” said Phoenix Rising FC President, Bobby Dulle. “Carvana’s continued support since 2018 has helped propel this franchise to the top of the USL Championship with three Western Conference titles, a regular-season championship and now a USL Championship in six years.
Off the field, this partnership has allowed our organizations to create valuable community initiatives that we will look to expand upon in the next three years. We are proud to represent the Carvana brand on the jerseys of our first team and we look forward to adding their logo to the jerseys of aspiring players in our youth club.”
Since the partnership was established in 2018, Carvana has served as Phoenix Rising’s front-of-kit sponsor. The collaboration has not only witnessed the team clinch the 2023 League Championship but also celebrated the inauguration of a cutting-edge stadium in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. In 2024, the Carvana kit sponsorship will expand to include Rising FC’s Youth programs, which provide development opportunities, competitions, and a college advisory program for young athletes in the Phoenix and Prescott areas.
“Carvana takes great pride in extending our partnership with Phoenix Rising FC,” said Ryan Keeton, Chief Brand Officer at Carvana. “Our shared values of excellence, accessibility, and community impact have formed the foundation of this enduring collaboration. By expanding our uniform sponsorship to include Rising FC’s youth teams, we aim to amplify our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a love for the sport among young athletes in Arizona.”
Soccer fans of all ages and backgrounds can look forward to a season filled with exciting matches, community events, and engaging activities on site provided by Carvana and Phoenix Rising FC.
About Carvana
Carvana is an industry pioneer for buying and selling used vehicles online. As the fastest growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history, its proven, customer-first ecommerce model has positively impacted millions of people’s lives through more convenient, accessible and transparent experiences. Carvana.com allows someone to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home, completing the entire process online, benefiting from a 7-day money back guarantee, home delivery, nationwide inventory selection and more. Customers also have the option to sell or trade-in their vehicle across all Carvana locations, including its patented Car Vending Machines, in more than 300 U.S. markets. Carvana brings a continued focus on people-first values, industry-leading customer care, technology and innovation, and is the No. 2 automotive brand in the U.S., only behind Ford, on the Forbes 2022 Most Customer-Centric Companies List. Carvana is one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500 and for more information, please visit www.carvana.com and follow us @Carvana.