While Orlando City Soccer supporters get ready for a sold-out match to kick off the franchise's first season in Major League Soccer, the league remains in negotiations with the players union as a strike looms.
"I'm really excited about the first home game," said Mark Payne, a soccer fan. "It's going to be one of the biggest sporting events, I think, in Orlando's history."
From billboards along I-4 to car magnets, it seems Orlando City Soccer mania has made its mark in Central Florida.
The team on Wednesday also announced that it added 2,000 standing-room only tickets. The tickets will be for the Orlando Citrus Bowl's north plaza. The tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
While fans are planning tailgating parties and figuring out where to park for Sunday's match, they are also keeping a close eye on the negotiations between the league and the union.
"It's a big deal for Orlando," Kirt Bocox said.
The negotiations could lead to a player strike, which could impact Sunday's match.
"I think it'd deflate them a little bit," said Katie Donnellan, a Lions supporter. "There's been so much build up in this last year."
Added Payne: "I hope it doesn’t happen. I hope everybody agrees and the season kicks off at least soon if not Sunday."
About 60,000 tickets were sold for Sunday's game against fellow league newcomers New York City F.C. The match kicks off at 5 p.m.