TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship and ESPN today announced a historic first, with ESPN2 set to air the first nationally televised doubleheader in league history on Saturday, August 19. Detroit City FC will host Las Vegas Lights FC at Keyworth Stadium in the opening game of the night before San Diego Loyal SC welcomes New Mexico United to Torero Stadium to close the twinbill. 

Boasting one of the most passionate groups of supporters in North America, Detroit City FC will face Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 p.m. ET in an interconference clash that will mark the second meeting between the clubs. Le Rouge claimed a 1-0 victory when the sides met last July and will look to emulate that display as the hosts push for a second consecutive berth in the USL Championship Playoffs.  

San Diego Loyal SC and New Mexico United then square off in a contest that will have major playoff implications for the Western Conference rivals. Led by local product and former United States international Joe Corona, SD Loyal and supporters group The Locals have made Torero Stadium one of the most difficult places to visit in the USL Championship as it aims for its third consecutive postseason berth, but New Mexico United and recently appointed Head Coach Eric Quill will bring the caliber of El Salvador international Amando Moreno and a strong attacking group aiming to make a move up the standings after earning a dramatic 1-1 draw when it last visited SD Loyal in 2021.   

The two matches will serve as the centerpiece for six USL Championship games that will feature on ESPN2 throughout the summer. The slate kicks off this Saturday, July 1 as Phoenix Rising FC hosts Memphis 901 FC at 11 p.m. ET. All other regular season and playoff matches are available to watch live domestically on ESPN+, through the league’s international broadcast partners in Latin America and Europe, and on YouTube in the rest of the world.