Brent Metcalf of the USA takes down Magomedsalam Gadziev of Russia during dual meet in Times Square in May. Larry Slater photo

Wrestling fans should mark their calendars with a big red circle on Friday, November 11, 2011 (11-11-11).

The United States will compete against Russia in a men’s freestyle dual meet at the New York Athletic Club in New York City that evening at 7:30 p.m.

The Russian team will be in town to compete at the annual New York Athletic Club International Championships during that weekend, and has agreed to compete against an American team in a dual meet.

There is a long history of USA vs. Russia wrestling dual meets, going back 50 years, when these popular competitions were first held between the former Soviet Union and the United States. 

The most recent USA vs. Russia freestyle dual meet was held outside in historic Times Square as part of the Beat the Streets Gala on May 5, 2011, won by the United States, 5-2. This exciting match captured the attention of the world as the first sports event ever held in the world-famous setting.

Lineups for the USA vs. Russia Dual Meet on 11-11-11 are being finalized and will be announced shortly.

Tickets will cost $20 per person a day and sold at the door, for both the USA vs Russia Dual Meet on Friday, Nov. 11, as well as New York Athletic Club International Championships on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13.