ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – With the Lions’ second season in Major League Soccer (MLS) less than two months away, Orlando City SC is proud to announce a series of engaging fan events, leading up to the team’s home opener against Real Salt Lake on Sunday, March 6.
After leading off with an open practice session at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Tuesday, Feb. 9, Orlando City will host its annual “Kickoff Week,” featuring events such as the Purple Pride 5K, the Orlando City Pub Crawl and more. Each registration includes three complimentary drinks, admission into each venue, a live concert with Ballyhoo! and a single-game ticket to the Real Salt Lake fixture on March 6.
See below for additional details.
Event | Date | Time | Location | Registration |
| Open Practice | Feb. 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Orlando Citrus Bowl | Click here! |
Orlando City Tailgate with CFHLA | March 1 | 5-7 p.m. | Cheyenne Saloon | Click here! |
Purple Pride 5K | March 3 | 6:30 p.m. | Lake Eola | Click here! |
Orlando City Pub Crawl | March 5 | 3-9 p.m. | Downtown Orlando | Click here! |
“With the excitement already starting to build for our 2016 MLS season opener, we’re looking forward to providing a number of events for our supporters leading up to March 6,” said CEO Alex Leitao. “Last year’s kickoff week helped create an incredible buzz in Orlando, culminating with a sold out Citrus Bowl for our first-ever match as an MLS team. We hope to replicate that excitement in the City again this year.”
Open Practice – City’s open training session at the Orlando Citrus Bowl will provide supporters with an up close look at Head Coach Adrian Heath and the team’s preparation for their second season in the nation’s top-flight, as they begin working toward their mission of advancing into the playoffs in the 2016 MLS campaign. In addition, fans will get the first look at the new 2016 away jersey.
Tailgate Party – Less than one month later, City will officially launch its second annual kickoff week on March 1, beginning with the Orlando City Tailgate with the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association.
Set to be held at the Cheyenne Saloon (120 West Church Street, Orlando 32801), the Tailgate party will include first team player appearances, food and games. Additionally, each registration includes food, two drink tickets and a single-game ticket to the Real Salt Lake fixture on March 6.
Purple Pride 5k – Following the tailgate party, supporters are urged to join thousands of City fans in the Purple Pride 5K, running through downtown Orlando to show off their purple pride. The officially timed 5K race features all of the Orlando City game day festivities, including confetti, tailgate games, and food trucks. Participating runners will receive a Purple Pride 5K t-shirt, a drink coupon good for one beer at the Heineken beer garden and a single-game ticket to the Real Salt Lake fixture on March 6.
Orlando City Pub Crawl – To conclude the week of events, prior to opening day, Orlando City will host its annual Pub Crawl in Downtown Orlando, featuring street parties at the official City pubs – Harry Buffalo, Elixir and Wall Street Plaza.
Each registration includes three complimentary drinks, admission into each venue, a live concert with Ballyhoo! and a single-game ticket to the Real Salt Lake fixture on March 6.