Fill the bowl ... again?
That's the goal as Orlando City Soccer on Tuesday announced it has opened terrace seating in an effort to secure another season-opening sellout when the Lions begin their second season in Major League Soccer next month.
Orlando City hosts Real Salt Lake at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in the first match of the 2016 season.
The campaign, dubbed #FillTheBowlAgain across social media, looks to repeat the success of Orlando City's MLS debut in 2015.
The season-opening game last year drew 62,510 fans for the team's first ever home game in MLS play. The historic match set the tone for the entire season, as Orlando City drew an average of 32,947 fans per game at the Citrus Bowl.
"I can't think of a more fitting way to kick off our farewell tour at the Citrus Bowl than by filling the stadium once again with our passionate and ardent supporters," said Phil Rawlins, president and founder of Orlando City.
Last season, the Lions set the attendance record for an MLS expansion team and drew the second highest number of fans at home. The club also became the fastest in MLS history to draw more than 500,000 fans in a season.
Orlando City will play one more full season in the Citrus Bowl before playing the 2017 season in the new downtown stadium.
"Current ticket sales are pacing ahead of 2015, and we are excited to show Real Salt Lake what it's like to come to Orlando and face us at home," Rawlins said. "If you were unable to attend last year's home opener, now is your chance to witness history once more."