Barcelona vs. Real Madrid could open Allegiant Stadium

A soccer match in early August between Barcelona and Real Madrid could be the first event in Las Vegas’ new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, according to sources.

The game between the two giants in the sport would be part of the International Champions Cup, an annual preseason tournament for European clubs.

The $1.9 billion venue, scheduled to open this summer, is one of two new sites under consideration as host stadiums. The other — Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles — is also scheduled to open this summer as the home for the NFL’S Rams and Chargers.

The Raiders are expected to host two preseason games at Allegiant Stadium in late August and early

September ahead of their regular-season opener in September. UNLV will play a nonconference football game against California on Aug. 29. For now, those are the only sporting events on tap.

The NFL has a history of using international soccer events as soft openings for new stadiums. In 2016, for instance, AC Milan played Chelsea at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis before the Vikings christened their new venue. In 2003, Lincoln Field, home to the Philadelphia Eagles, opened with an exhibition between Manchester United and FC Barcelona.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal. com. Follow @Vinnybonsignore ontwitter. Contact Myles Simmons at msimmons@reviewjournal. com or 702-383-0350. Follow @ Mylesasimmons on Twitter.