ORLANDO, Fla. -- New rules have been instituted at Orlando City Stadium in the wake of an incident last week in which fans threw beer bottles and cups onto the field.
- New rules implemented at Orlando City Stadium after incident
- Fans threw trash, beer bottles onto field against Atlanta United FC
- Orlando City Soccer called the behavior 'unacceptable'
In the waning minutes of a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United FC on Sunday, May 13, fans in the stadium threw trash onto the pitch.
Orlando City Soccer called the behavior "unacceptable" and vowed to take action.
A total of 38 people were identified and suspended or trespassed from the property from 1 to 2 years. Not all have been notified yet, the club said.
Now, as the soccer program prepares for its first match in the stadium since the incident -- the Orlando Pride will host North Carolina on Wednesday -- CEO Alex Leito has rolled out four new rules to curb the chances of another disruptive incident.
The new rules include:
- New PA and video board announcements before and during matches, detailing the ramifications of throwing objects onto the field;
- The production of a player video discussing proper fan code of conduct;
- Adding more cameras to the lower bowl of the stadium; and
- In the coming weeks, the stadium will become an "all-pour" venue, meaning drinks will be poured into cups without lids.
"I was very very sad to see our stadium turn into a trash can from our own fans and honestly don't want to see that happen again," Leito said during a news conference Monday.
The Lions next play at home this Saturday against the Chicago Fire.