By Alfred Branch, Jr.

It seems like everything David Beckham touches these days turns to gold. The global soccer icon and the Los Angeles Galaxy are slated to play the New York Red Bulls Aug. 18th at Giants Stadium and just his name has caused a run on ticket sales.

As of this week, the Red Bulls had sold more than 30,000 tickets for the game, completely selling out all the available midfield and lower level sideline seats, according to published reports.

Tickets were still available at the ends, in the mezzanine and other locations, but those seats were being scooped up quickly, too. The hype surrounding Beckham’s arrival to Major League Soccer, spread like wildfire, and his impact has been immediate. . . .

Wherever Beckham is scheduled to play, tickets have roared out of the gate. He makes his debut with the Galaxy on July 21 in a “friendly” against U.K.’s Chelsea Football Club. The Aug. 18 match will be Beckham’s only visit to New York’s Tri-State area.

His picture, and that of his Spice Girls wife, Victoria, have already graced the covers of American magazines, and websites, including the Galaxy’s, are counting down to his debut. The attention surrounding his arrival even helped fuel a Spice Girls reunion tour.

For additional Red Bulls ticket information, call 1-877-RBSOCCER or log onto the team’s website.