Orlando City and Atlanta United are two of the newest teams in Major League Soccer, so they don’t have a fierce rivalry yet. However, Orlando City and Atlanta United are the only two teams in the Southeast, so you’ll find lots of fans of both teams making the trip when these two play. The budding rivalry between these two teams may someday be one of the best in the league, so get your tickets when Atlanta United comes to town so you can say you were there are the beginning.
Both New York City FC and Orlando City joined Major League Soccer in 2015, and as a result, there is a bit of competition between the two as they look to establish themselves in the league. Don’t miss these two 2015 expansion teams battle it out on the pitch.
Orlando City SC Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Orlando City has just moved into a new state of the art downtown Stadium, and while tailgating may be a bit tighter than at the Citrus Bowl, you’ll find a festive atmosphere surrounding Exploria Stadium on game days. Orlando City fans love their team, and they love to party, so you’ll be in for a good time when pregaming before a Lions game.
The streets surrounding Exploria Stadium are abuzz with excitement on game days, and you’ll be surrounded by a sea of purple and white on game days. The atmosphere outside the stadium is palpable, which is an excellent indicator of just how crazy things will be inside.
If you’re attending an Orlando City game for the first time, make sure to get the stadium early and take in the festivities to get the full Lions game day experience.
Those of you attending a Sunday home games at Exploria Stadium will want to arrive a day early and take a tour of the stadium. The tour lets you see what goes on behind the scenes at the stadium including the locker rooms, player tunnel, and press row.
If you’re looking for something to do before an Orlando City match, then stop by FanFest. FanFest is home to a beer garden, food, live entertainment, and kids’ activities, so stop by and check it out.
Those of you attending Orlando City’s home opener will want to arrive early and take part in Kickoff Week. The annual event features a variety of activities including a pub crawl, so make sure to check it out if you’re in the Orlando area during the team’s home opener.
Before the game, you’ll find a stream of Lions fans making their way to the stadium. Some supporter groups even have their own stadium march, so make sure to take part in the fun during your trip to Orlando.
FanFestIf you’re looking for something to do before an Orlando City match, then stop by FanFest. FanFest is home to a beer garden, food, live entertainment, and kids’ activities, so stop by and check it out.
The Ruckus Tent CityJoin The Ruckus as they tailgate and party before the game at the Broken Cauldron. The members of the Ruckus supporter group live and die with the Lions, so come and meet some of the most diehard Orlando City SC fans out there.
Orlando City SC Stadium Guide
In Game
Orlando City SC’s new state of the art stadium is an excellent place to take in a soccer match and is somewhere every MLS fan should see a match. The brand new facility offers excellent sightlines all throughout the venue, and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the action when watching Orlando City SC play.
The action on the field isn’t the only thing worth seeing at an Orlando City Sc match. The Lions supporter section, known as The Wall, also puts on quite a display. The supporter groups that make up the wall put together some incredible tifos and their chants are top notch as well. If you want to experience and Orlando City SC match at its best, then make sure to join one of the supporter group.
Snap a picture with the Lion sculpture during your visit to Exploria Stadium. The sculpture is a must-see no matter what team you support, so make sure to check it out.
The Wall is where you’ll find Orlando City SC’s supporter groups, The Ruckus and The Iron Lion Firm. The fans in The Wall go all out to support their team and put on incredible displays, so join one of the supporter groups if you want to be a part of The Wall.
The Society XXI Wall features the names of every season ticket holder from the club’s first season. It’s an excellent tribute to longtime fans and if you’re a longtime season ticket holder look for your name before arriving at your seat.
Kingston the Lion is the official mascot of Orlando City SC and can be seen entertaining the crowd on match days. Fans young and old love Kingston, so make sure to get your picture with him at the match.