ACOG - News - IBM

(1 August 1996; Day 13)

U.S. Victory Building Future for Women's Football

Women's football (soccer) in the United States received another shot in the arm Thursday night in an unlikely place. Before a boisterous crowd of 76,481 in Athens, Georgia -- home to another brand of football -- women's football earned more respect following Team USA's 2-1 Olympic gold medal victory over China.

Athens is home to the University of Georgia, which has a rich tradition of American-style collegiate football. But women's football was king on this night.

"Just listen to them. That's what it means," said Mia HAMM about Thursday's record crowd. "They're excited about the game. It's electrifying to play in front of everyone here and everyone enjoying themselves -- that's what it's all about."

The United States added another chapter to its short but rich history in women's football. In 1991, a U.S. squad won the first women's World Cup title. On Thursday night in Athens, Team USA became the first women's Olympic football gold medalist.

Thursday's attendance also proved that there is growing interest in women's football. The 76,481 total was the largest to ever witness a women's football game. Team USA drew over 232,000 fans for their five Olympic tournament games. By comparison, the men's 1992 Olympic football tournament in Barcelona drew a total of 466,300.

"We made a great statement tonight," said a jubilant Shannon MACMILLAN following Thursday's medal presentation ceremony in Sanford Stadium. "Women's soccer is becoming a powerhouse in the United States."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Mike Mead.


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Olympic Factoid
More tickets were sold to the competitions of the 1996 Games than to any other Olympic Games or sports event in history. The 8.6 million ticket sales figures topped sales to the Los Angeles and Barcelona Games combined.