Bayern Munich celebrated the Fourth of July in a very special way

The Dallas Cowboys have been called “America’s Team” over the years for their national NFL following. Bayern Munich aspires to be America’s team among European soccer clubs.

The giants of the German Bundesliga opened an office in New York City in 2014 with the purpose of growing the club’s profile in the United States. That presence has helped increase the number of official Bayern fan clubs in America from eight to 100.

So it was no surprise the German champions continued their push into the U.S. by celebrating America’s Independence Day. Bayern did so by lighting up its home stadium, Allianz Arena, in the colors of Old Glory on Monday night in Munich.

“We are very happy to be able to celebrate Independence Day in such a special manner with our fans,” said Joerg Wacker, Bayern’s executive board member of internationalization and strategy.

This is merely a prelude of what’s to come this summer from the Bavarians. Bayern Munich will play three preseason friendlies in America as part of the International Champions Cup, taking on AC Milan in Chicago on July 27, Inter Milan in Charlotte, N.C., on July 30 and Real Madrid in East Rutherford, N.J., on August 3.

The Fourth of July marketing campaign got people’s attention, including a former Bayern star striker who’s been working in the U.S. in a very high-profile job.

Bayern Munich and Yahoo Sports have a content partnership in the U.S.