Green: The gift of Copa America comes to Southern California

How big of a deal is it that venerable Copa America, soccer’s oldest inteational touament that’s being played outside South America for the first time, is coming to 10 U.S. cities, including Pasadena?

So big that disappointed New York City FC midfielder Mix Diskerud, left off the U.S. roster for the 16-nation touament June 3-14, nonetheless remains excited about this country hosting the championship of the Americas that stars the likes of Argentina’s Lionel Messi — even as just a fan.

“To have the Copa America here is a gift,” he told the MLS website the day after his exclusion. “One of the best parts of the world’s greatest game is coming this way.

“I hope tons of Americans become new and better cooisseurs of the real football during an exceptional June,” Diskerud added. “My heart is going to be there.”

And yours should, too, since the Latin American communities in Southe Califoia will ensure this will be one massive futbol fiesta throughout the month.

With Brazil setting up pre-touament camp this week at Carson’s StubHub Center — no, there are no public events plaed there — it’s begiing to feel a lot like Copa America.

Here’s how to enjoy this gift in Southe Califoia:

Spend and go to a game

Three are scheduled at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl — five-time World Cup wier Brazil plays Ecuador at 7 p.m. June 4, Colombia faces Paraguay at 7:30 p.m. June 7 and Mexico takes on Jamaica at 7 p.m. June 9.

Ticketmaster prices on Wednesday started at $62 for the Brazil game, but most were well north of $100.

No ticket? No problem. To experience the game atmosphere for free, check out the Fan Plaza at every game in Area H, southeast of Gate A.

Games, music, food, player autograph sessions (June 9 game only) and more begin 4 1/2 hours before kick off and end 30 minutes before the game begins.

Head to a Fan HQ

The official Copa America Centenario Fan HQ in Old Town Pasadena at the 1,600-capacity Rose music venue will be open on the evening before each game at the Rose Bowl.

Admission is free, but you must register to get in.

Don’t procrastinate: As of Tuesday, only a few hundred places were left for the June 3 bash, when the U.S. kicks off the touament against Colombia, for example.

Fans in attendance at the four-hour party each evening can watch games on big screens, listen to live music and buy official touament swag.

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“Having the event indoors provides us with more control in several areas, including weather,” venue press officer Bryan Chenault said. “In addition, this style of event was a success at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2014 Women’s World Cup in Canada.”

To register, visit www.ca2016.com/fan-events.

Hang out with the American Outlaws

Southe Califoia’s massive Latino population means this may be the best place in the country to soak up the flavor of this South American touament.

Want to hang out with hardcore American fans for the U.S. games that in addition to the June 3 opener include contests against Costa Rica on June 7 and Paraguay on June 11?

American Outlaws chapters in the region meet for U.S. game at several local venues, including Shaon’s On Pine in Long Beach, the Public House in Los Feliz, the Underground Pub in Hermosa Beach and Dave & Buster’s in Ontario.

Not enough soccer for you?

The 24-nation European Championships crank up June 10-July 7, so expect packed English pubs in Santa Monica and the Valley and other venues frequented by expats like German-themed Alpine Village near Torrance.

That adds up to 84 games and more than 330 hours of coverage on Fox and ESPN networks.

Now that’s a gift.

For more local soccer news, read the 100 Percent Soccer blog at www.insidesocal.com/soccer.