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A look back at the best stadium debut

May 10, 2012, 5:37 PM EDT

San Jose Earthquakes v New York Red Bulls Getty Images

In advance of the festivities in Houston this weekend, PST friend Matthew Doyle takes a look at some of the best stadium debuts. He highlights BMO Field, JEN-WELD Field, and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. All good choices, but I’ll take the opening of Red Bull Arena.

March 20, 2010. The joint was packed. There were fireworks and dancers. A race car drove on the field to deliver the game ball. Reggie Bush skied a PK into the stands.

And then the game started. Joel Lindpere scored. Mike Petke (Mike Petke!) scored. Dane Richards scored (on a blast). Santos played a ready and willing adversary, running up and down the field.

A week later, the Red Bull defeated Chicago 1-0 in the stadium’s MLS debut. They would win the next two at RBA before falling apart.

But that first game was really something special. A video of the events below. Enjoy. (There are many more videos here.)

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