Manchester United brings a supporter’s idea to life ahead of its US pre-season tour
Manchester United will mark the beginning of its North American pre-season tour by turning the Niagara Falls red.
Supporters will see the world-famous landmark illuminated in club colours at 22:00 CET on July 23, as well as a fireworks display. The event marks the start of United’s participation in the Premier League Summer Series, with fixtures against West Ham, AFC Bournemouth and Everton scheduled across the US.
This year’s tour is United’s third consecutive visit to North America, and Fan Engagement Director Rick McGagh says it’s designed to resonate with fans in a meaningful way.
“When our Niagara Supporters’ Club came up with the idea of United lighting up the world-famous Niagara Falls, we had to make it happen – it will be a unique occasion where two forces of nature combine to create a spectacular event,” said McGagh.
“It is always great to engage with our fans in authentic ways that mean a lot to them and their community – and there aren’t many better examples of this than the event on 23 July!”
To amplify the celebration, former United defender Wes Brown will be on site and the club will host exclusive experiences, including a visit to the Niagara Parks Power Station and a Journey-Behind-the-Falls tour.
“I want to extend a warm Niagara Falls welcome to Manchester United Football Club. We love rolling out the red carpet and have a buffet of fun and entertainment – from breathtaking natural wonders to unforgettable attractions,” said Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls.
“We wish you best of luck on your pre-season tour in the US and invite you to experience all that our great city has to offer. We’ll be cheering you on!”
While some may see this as just another pre-season publicity stunt, this one didn’t come from the boardroom. The idea originated with Manchester United’s Niagara Supporters’ Club.
“Niagara MUFC is ecstatic to welcome Manchester United to Niagara Falls. Power, beauty and grace are three words that come to mind when you think about Niagara Falls,” said Tim Stockton, Secretary of Manchester United Niagara Supporters’ Club.
“Those three words are also synonymous with Manchester United’s glorious history. It’s only fitting that these two global icons finally come together.”
Why clubs are going bigger
Pre-season tours have long shifted from a time to refine tactics and are now more commonly viewed as a time to explore strategic marketing missions. Manchester United’s current tour, for instance, spans Asia, Europe and now North America.
With rival clubs like Chelsea aided by a recent FIFA Club World Cup victory, United faces added pressure to deliver memorable fan engagement, especially amid recent seasons that have fallen short of expectations.
This trend is pushing football organisations towards bigger, better and louder activations. During the FIFA Club World Cup final, for example, legendary announcer Michael Buffer was employed to introduce players individually.
Stunts such as this one by Manchester United are expected to get bigger, with FIFA preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This special event also builds the momentum and enthusiasm for next year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Tony Baldinelli, Member of Parliament in the Canadian House of Commons for the federal riding of Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“Thank you to Manchester United, Niagara Parks, and the Niagara MUFC Supporters’ Club for making this event a dream come true for local MUFC fans in our region.”
