RENO, Nev. — Reno 1868 FC announced on Thursday the club’s first match will be against Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, February 18, at Greater Nevada Field. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT as 1868 FC prepares for its inaugural season in the USL.

The contest will mark the first time a major league team, from any sport, will play in Reno. Earlier this year, 1868 FC and the Earthquakes announced a partnership between the two clubs that will see Reno become the home for some of the Quakes young players.

“This is a great opportunity for the city of Reno to see their team play for the first time and facing an MLS team is icing on the cake,” said Andy Smith, general manager of Reno 1868 FC. “I’m excited for our fans and the opportunity this affords our players. What an awesome way to kick off a franchise!”

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Greater Nevada Field previously hosted a pair of matches this year in the build-up to 1868 FC’s first season. The USL’s Sacramento Republic FC faced Liverpool FC U21s in an international exhibition, making the historic English club the first European team to play in Northern Nevada.

The stadium also hosted a USL regular season contest between Real Monarchs SLC and Republic FC, both of which are set to be rivals to 1868 FC in the Western Conference in the 2017 USL season.  

“Bringing the world’s sport to Reno has meant more opportunities for Northern Nevada to experience world class games close to home,” said Eric Edelstein, president of Reno 1868 FC and the Reno Aces. “Games like this will continue to showcase the sport and grow the game here in Reno.”