ORLANDO – February 5, 2015 – Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber joined Orlando City Soccer Club to launch Operation #FilltheBowl for the inaugural season-opening match against New York FC on March, 8 2015 at the Citrus Bowl.
Orlando City superstar Kaká will take the pitch for the first time in the U.S. with the MLS’ Lions.
Alongside Garber, Orlando City President and Founder Phil Rawlins, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Lions’ Head Coach Adrian Heath encouraged fans to rally behind the league’s newest expansion (and only) team in the southeast.
“We are standing on the verge of history,” said Rawlins. “The goal for our opening game against New York is to have close to 60,000 fans in the house. Let’s create the loudest, most electrifying atmosphere and a great place to play this great sport we love.”
Rawlins also announced the team is on track to sell 14,000 season tickets. Over 11,000 packages have been sold to date.
He also reminded fans about the open practice scheduled to take place this Saturday, marking the launch of individual game ticket sales.
“I have no doubt that we will fill the bowl on Sunday (March 8), and start an immediate rivalry with New York,” Mayor Buddy Dyer added. “I look forward to flying my son down from school in Colorado to experience history in the making in the Beautiful City.”
“Let’s show what the city of Orlando can be, and we can come out and support the rise of the soccer nation in our country, so #FillTheBowl!” said Garber. “Make sure you come out, make sure you fill the bowl and make sure you watch the game — go Orlando City!”
FIFA World Cup Player of the Year Kaká concluded with, “Let’s beat New York FC!”
