Villa Park will be the venue for this year's Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea, the Football Association have confirmed.
The season's traditional curtain-raiser, which pits the Premier League winners against the FA Cup holders, cannot be played at Wembley as the famous stadium is hosting the Olympic football final the previous day.
Alex Horne, General Secretary of the FA, said: "Villa Park is one of English football's most iconic grounds and has a wonderful tradition of hosting some of the game's biggest matches, including 16 England internationals and 55 FA Cup semi-finals.
"Once we knew the Olympic football schedule, we worked hard to secure a suitable alternative venue for The FA Community Shield 2012 and we are delighted that Aston Villa have agreed to host the season's traditional curtain-raiser."
The fixture will take place on August 12, a week prior to the start of the new Premier League season.
Joe Fish
