In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the first home match at RFK Stadium (April 20, 1996), take a look back at what was going on in the world outside of soccer. Cue the nostalgia!
On the big screen...
The English Patient, starring Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas and Juliette Binoche, won the Oscar for Best Picture made in 1996. Other nominees included Fargo, Jerry Maguire, Secrets & Lies, and Shine. Independence Day, Twister, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire were among the top box office hits for the year.
...and the small screen
Top-rated T.V. shows of 1996 included E.R., Seinfeld, Friends, and Suddenly Susan.
The latest jamz...
Top Billboard songs included the “Macarena” (Los Del Rio), “One Sweet Day” (Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men), and “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion).
...and the biggest headlines...
President Bill Clinton was re-elected to a second term, beating out Bob Dole and Ross Perot. Elsewhere, unabomber Theodore John Kaczynski was arrested by the FBI, and Bosnia made moves toward peace following the Dayton Agreement after nearly four years of war.
We are the champions...
In sports, the New York Yankees won their 23rd World Series, the Chicago Bulls were crowned NBA champions and the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXX. Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, and the U.S. Women’s National Team notably won the first-ever women’s Olympic gold medal in soccer.
Common cents...
Gas prices averaged $1.23/gallon for regular gas, while stamps were $0.32.
What the kids were saying...
Slang words of choice included “Booyah,” “Word,” “Psych!”, and “Fly,”
...and what they were buying…
Favorite toys included Tickle Me Elmo, Beanie Babies, and Barbie dolls.
