Orlando Pride Launch Campaign to Break NWSL Attendance Record
The NWSL’s Orlando Pride are striving to break the league’s attendance record during its first-ever home match against the Houston Dash on April 23rd. The club has launched the #FilledWithPride campaign following a consecutive home opener for Orlando City SC reaching over 60,000 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Soccer News: Orlando Pride, the newest club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has announced a new initiative to set the league’s attendance record on April 23 at the Orlando Citrus Bowl when the Pride hosts the Houston Dash at 7:30 p.m. in the Club’s first-ever home match.
The campaign, #FilledWithPride, comes after Orlando supporters heeded the call in consecutive Orlando City SC home openers, packing the Orlando Citrus Bowl with over 60,000 fans at each match.
“From day one, our supporters have been nothing short of amazing,” said Orlando Pride President Phil Rawlins. “We are confident the fans of all three Orlando City teams will come together to help us make history again when the Pride hit the pitch for the first time at home.”
The NWSL attendance record currently stands at 21,144 fans, having been set on July 22, 2015 at Providence Park when Seattle Reign FC traveled to face Portland Thorns FC, affiliate of MLS’s Portland Timbers.
“April 23 will be a historical date not only for our Club, but for the City of Orlando,” Rawlins added. “If we know anything, it’s that Orlando knows how to put on a home opener and we are excited for our professional women’s team to experience the passion of our city.”
Orlando Pride fans will also be able to get #FilledWithPride at a series of Kickoff Week events in the days leading up to the first home match. Further details will be announced at a later date.
Orlando City SC has beed noted to have some of the most passionate fans in the MLS, and they surely will be in attendance to root on their lady squad. Forward Jasmyne Spencer and Head Coach Tom Sermanni commented on the upcoming match and the campaign to break the attendance record.
“It would be awesome. Women’s soccer is growing and to be part of an attendance record would be amazing. It’s good for women in sports and it’s good for our league,” said Spencer.
Sermanni commented on the connection the first match will bring between the players and the club and how the introduction during the men’s game has set the tone for what to expect.
“I think the men’s game gave the team a sense of what this club is about and what we’re going to have behind us,” said Sermanni.
The complete 2016 Orlando Pride schedule is available here.
Source/Photo Credit: Orlando Pride
