Photo Blog: USA/Brazil Beach Soccer Challenge at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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In addition to the opening day of the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino also played host to the USA/Brazil Beach Soccer Challenge tonight. The event was open to the public and the match between the USA and Brazil was surrounded by lively crowds in the stands, including a VIP area. The playing surface was made of 2.4 million pounds of sand transported from Central Florida. The playing area was much smaller than a normal soccer field as you can see, but that meant there was a lot of scoring in the match.

There was also a DJ stage and open air bar along with food trucks, which made for a fun event on property for poker players. Daniel Buzgon was among the spectators in the crowd. This is just one of the many events that makes coming to #SHRPO fun for players from all over the world.  At the end of regulation Brazil topped USA 8-7 in a close match that saw a combined 32 shots on goal. The match will broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network on Tuesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. ET.

Scroll down below for photos of the sights and atmosphere that made this fun event a great way to kick off the festivities that will be surrounding the SHRPO tournament series.

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IMPDI SHR Sand Soccer_IMW_1336Above photo courtesy of Eric Harkins/IMPDI.

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Above photo courtesy of Eric Harkins/IMPDI.

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Above photo courtesy of Eric Harkins/IMPDI.