2013 FA Community Shield
The FA Community Shield returns to Wembley Stadium on August 11th.
The traditional curtain raiser to the English football season - which took place at Villa Park last season due to the London Olympics - is contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup.
The 2013 FA Community Shield sees Premier League champions Manchester United take on FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic.
Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, and Roberto Martinez’s resignation, the game promises to be an intriguing encounter as it will be the first competitive match for both managers at their new clubs.
Wigan's recent relegation to the Championship also means it will be the first time a team from outside the top division will feature in the game since West Ham United in 1980.
The FA’s General Secretary, Alex Horne, commented: “You have to go all the way back to 1985 for the last time that Manchester United played in this fixture without Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline so the eyes of the world will be on the Community Shield and Wembley when David Moyes leads them out in August.
“Wigan Athletic provided a fairytale ending to this season’s FA Cup Final, which was fitting in our 150th anniversary year, and it will be great to welcome them back to Wembley as they take on the double challenge of Europa League football and the Championship."
The FA has confirmed that the reigning Premier League champions will get an initial ticket allocation of 35,000 for the Community Shield while Wigan Athletic will have 15,000.
Horne commented: “Manchester United travel in great numbers while Wigan Athletic’s allocation is based on the attendances across their two visits to Wembley in The FA Cup last season.
“The 2pm kick-off time has been agreed by all the relevant authorities and means that both sets of supporters can travel back to the North-West.”
Community Shield ticket prices are frozen at last season’s prices and are available at £45, £35, £25, £20. Please note that tickets for this game will be sold by Manchester United and Wigan Athletic.