Soccer is said to be the world’s game. It is by far the most popular game across the globe, and yet it is soaring in popularity here in Central Florida. Thanks to the Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando’s Major League Soccer team, the city has been dubbed the soccer capital of the south, but is it more? Perhaps the soccer capital of America?
The Orlando City Soccer Club is the creation of Phil Rawlins, a businessman from the U.K. who settled in Orlando, and a Brazilian businessman, Flavio Augusto da Silva. Beginning in 2010, they operated the team successfully in the (lower level) North American Soccer League while seeking a Major League Soccer franchise, which they attained in 2013. Orlando City signed a well known Brazilian midfielder named Kaká to provide popularity and star power. The club began its inaugural MLS season in March, 2015, using the Camping World Stadium (Citrus Bowl) as its temporary home field. The season began with huge fanfare, and the team hasn’t looked back since.
In 2016, it was announced that team will build its own stadium using owner only financing. Now, Orlando City Stadium is touted as the best soccer stadium in the country. The venue is said to be great for fans and players, such much so, that the US Soccer Organization has announced the stadium will be the site of a World Cup qualifier match for the US Men’s National Team.
But, what is it about the explosion of popularity for this sport called the “Beautiful Game" in the "City Beautiful?"
Orlando City makes an effort to connect to their fans. They strive to present an entertaining experience. They want to be a part of the community, not an extension of the MLS. They play out in the hot, humid, Florida sun, which any Floridian will tell you is part and parcel of living in our state. Most important, perhaps, the club was a minor team first that got promoted to the ultimate professional league in North America. It gives Orlando residents and Orlando City fans a sense of participation.
Oh, and we forgot to mention the Orlando Pride, the sister team that is part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Their rise in popularity has almost been equally as quick, thanks to the signing of US Women’s National Team star, Alex Morgan.
But don’t take our word for it. Check it out for yourself. For tickets, go to https://www.orlandocitysc.com or https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride for more information and for tickets. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become part of the “Pride of Lions.”
In 2016, it was announced that team will build its own stadium using owner only financing. Now, Orlando City Stadium is touted as the best soccer stadium in the country. The venue is said to be great for fans and players, such much so, that the US Soccer Organization has announced the stadium will be the site of a World Cup qualifier match for the US Men’s National Team.
But, what is it about the explosion of popularity for this sport called the “Beautiful Game" in the "City Beautiful?"
Orlando City makes an effort to connect to their fans. They strive to present an entertaining experience. They want to be a part of the community, not an extension of the MLS. They play out in the hot, humid, Florida sun, which any Floridian will tell you is part and parcel of living in our state. Most important, perhaps, the club was a minor team first that got promoted to the ultimate professional league in North America. It gives Orlando residents and Orlando City fans a sense of participation.
Oh, and we forgot to mention the Orlando Pride, the sister team that is part of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Their rise in popularity has almost been equally as quick, thanks to the signing of US Women’s National Team star, Alex Morgan.
But don’t take our word for it. Check it out for yourself. For tickets, go to https://www.orlandocitysc.com or https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride for more information and for tickets. Who knows? Maybe you’ll become part of the “Pride of Lions.”