Heineken and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) today announced their plans to bring the famous UEFA Champions League Trophy to American soil for a 5-week tour of major U.S. cities.

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“To me, the UEFA Champions League is the best competition in the world,” said Cristiano Ronaldo, UEFA Champions League winner and world-renowned Real Madrid CF player. “Nothing symbolizes the UEFA Champions League better than the Trophy, something I had the privilege to win. You too have a unique opportunity to enjoy the Trophy close up … Enjoy the experience!”

The Trophy will visit local sports pubs in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in mid-February through mid-March. Fans (21 and older) will be able to take photos with the Trophy while watching the best teams in the world play.

Heineken has also created the Ultimate Fan Page for fans (21 and older). Search for UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken on Facebook. Fans can get access to exclusive footage, updates on the Trophy Tour, and a chance to enter a sweepstakes to win 4 tickets to the UEFA Champions League Finals in Madrid in May.

In each city, there will also be a special invitation-only event featuring the Trophy and UEFA Champions League Ambassadors. World-renowned soccer players such as Eusebio, Zico, Steven McManaman, Edgar Davids, Bebeto, Michael Laudrup and Brian Laudrup will participate in the events and mingle with the soccer-loving fans.

“Our goal is to leverage the successful relationship that UEFA and Heineken have built worldwide and bring the unique experiences of the UEFA Champions League to U.S. soccer fans,” said Christian McMahan, Chief Marketing Officer, Heineken USA. “Heineken is proud to import the prestigious Trophy from Europe, and create opportunities for adult fans to enjoy a memorable moment with the same trophy that David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo lifted after their tremendous victories.”

Trophy Tour Schedule:

The Trophy will visit the following establishments, where fans, 21 and older, can get their photo taken with the Trophy and also win cool prizes and UEFA Champions League memorabilia.

New York City:
   --  Saturday, Feb. 13: Jack Dempsey's (12 noon-2pm) and
       Playwright (5pm-7pm)
   --  Sunday, Feb. 14: Nevada Smith (12 noon-2pm) and Red Lion (5pm-7pm)
Boston:
   --  Saturday, Feb. 20: Lir (11am-1pm) and Paddy O's (5pm-7pm)
   --  Sunday, Feb. 21: Barlow (11am-1pm) and Game On (5pm-7pm)
Chicago:
   --  Friday, Feb. 26: Emerald Loop (12noon-2pm) and Mystic Celt (5pm-7pm)
   --  Saturday, Feb. 27: Ginger's Ale House (12noon-2pm) and
       O'Shaughnessy's Public House (5pm-7pm)
   --  Sunday, Feb. 28: Johnny O'Hagan's (12noon-2pm)
Los Angeles:
   --  Saturday, March 13
   --  Sunday, March 14