On a clear, sunny day in downtown Orlando, Lions Founder and President Phil Rawlins spoke to an eager crowd about the future home of soccer in the City Beautiful. On schedule to open for the 2017 season, Rawlins noted the tremendous public support throughout Orlando and Central Florida.
“Last year I was amazed by the community’s ability to come together and put 62,500 people in the Citrus Bowl for what was a unique, one off historic event, our first ever Major League Soccer game. It’s absolutely incredible to me that a year on from that day we can be standing here talking about doing the exact same thing again.”
Setting an MLS record for opening day attendance by an expansion team, 62,510 Orlando City fans filled the bowl last year.
“The fact that we could be within touching distance of putting another 62,000 people in the Citrus Bowl this Sunday for our opening game for the second season, the fact we could do that for our opening game is incredible to me and it’s a testament to all of our staff and to the community of Central Florida who so loves this game of soccer that City represents.”
It is without a doubt that Orlando City has some of the best fans throughout the MLS; the drumming during the entire game giving a pulse to the crowd or the fans at The Wall, unforgiving in their loyalty to their club. Orlando City plays with an obvious home field advantage, largely in part to the fans. And now once again, as opening day is just a week away, excitement fills the air.
With just over 48,000 tickets sold as of Monday morning for this year’s home opener, Orlando City looks to make opening day another historic event.
