More than 10,000 Orlando City Soccer fans registered to attend tonight's open soccer practice at the Citrus Bowl. Enthusiastic spectators crowded the newly renovated venue in the hopes of seeing the previously-ranked #1 football (soccer) player of the world, Kaka, alongside his teammates on the Orlando City Lions' squad as they open their inaugural season in the MLS league.
Immediately prior to the 5pm start of tonight's practice, loud chanting was heard on the south side of the Citrus Bowl walls. The deafening cadence grew louder and louder, sounding like a soccer army was headed into the stadium. With purple flags leading their procession, the Orlando Ruckus (Orlando City Soccer's oldest officially recognized independent supporter club) descended into the stands, taking their positions ready to welcome their newly-minted MLS team. Whether it was planned or not remains unseen, but just as the Ruckus were almost in place, the soccer team emerged onto the field below.
For approximately 90 minutes, the team engaged in a series of drills that spanned all sides of the field such that spectators were sure to get a good glimpse of the squad. The team looked energetic and excited. The Ruckus was able to match the team's excitement as it belted out percussion-backed drum chants that made it feel like we were no longer in Orlando, rather we were in some football-frenzied European nation realizing early on its strong potential to be a tough competitor for the upcoming season.
As the practice concluded and the players began to leave the field, season ticket holders were escorted onto the field themselves for a post-practice autograph session. With the team beaming with smiles and appreciation toward its fans, the majority of players signed for almost an hour. To the surprise of many, Kaka remained on the field signing autographs and taking photos with fans for almost 2 hours! Upon taking a selfie with the last fan, Kaka graciously walked off the field to conclude his evening at the Citrus Bowl.
The organization announced last week that it had set out on a mission to 'Fill the Bowl' -- to sellout the season opener on March 8 -- a lofty yet seemingly attainable goal given season ticket sales have already eclipsed 11,000. That being said, should Orlando City Soccer continue extremely fan-friendly events such as those that transpired tonight, the organization should stand to achieve its Fill the Bowl objective and ignite one heck of a fun and memorable season for players and fans alike.
Immediately prior to the 5pm start of tonight's practice, loud chanting was heard on the south side of the Citrus Bowl walls. The deafening cadence grew louder and louder, sounding like a soccer army was headed into the stadium. With purple flags leading their procession, the Orlando Ruckus (Orlando City Soccer's oldest officially recognized independent supporter club) descended into the stands, taking their positions ready to welcome their newly-minted MLS team. Whether it was planned or not remains unseen, but just as the Ruckus were almost in place, the soccer team emerged onto the field below.
For approximately 90 minutes, the team engaged in a series of drills that spanned all sides of the field such that spectators were sure to get a good glimpse of the squad. The team looked energetic and excited. The Ruckus was able to match the team's excitement as it belted out percussion-backed drum chants that made it feel like we were no longer in Orlando, rather we were in some football-frenzied European nation realizing early on its strong potential to be a tough competitor for the upcoming season.
As the practice concluded and the players began to leave the field, season ticket holders were escorted onto the field themselves for a post-practice autograph session. With the team beaming with smiles and appreciation toward its fans, the majority of players signed for almost an hour. To the surprise of many, Kaka remained on the field signing autographs and taking photos with fans for almost 2 hours! Upon taking a selfie with the last fan, Kaka graciously walked off the field to conclude his evening at the Citrus Bowl.
The organization announced last week that it had set out on a mission to 'Fill the Bowl' -- to sellout the season opener on March 8 -- a lofty yet seemingly attainable goal given season ticket sales have already eclipsed 11,000. That being said, should Orlando City Soccer continue extremely fan-friendly events such as those that transpired tonight, the organization should stand to achieve its Fill the Bowl objective and ignite one heck of a fun and memorable season for players and fans alike.
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