Construction of Orlando City SC’s new stadium has reached a major milestone, as the facility’s first seats have been installed.
Work on the new Orlando City SC stadium continues to progress, as the team preps for its move into the new facility next year. The latest sign of the project’s continuing development was the placement of the stadium’s purple seats, which match the team’s colors and should shape the facility’s aesthetics.
Installation began on Thursday, and is expected to be completed on an eight-week schedule. More from WFTV 9:
Officials said 21,000 seats will be installed, and there will also be sections for standing room only.
Project director Jason McFadden said the milestone means a lot for fans.
“The first seat installation really signifies a major event for the fans. Every fan that comes in will see the 21,000 purple seats, and it is really an event that they can gravitate to and grasp. Their new stadium is really becoming a reality,” said McFadden.
The opening of Orlando City SC stadium should be a highly anticipated event in the MLS. With its location in Orlando’s Paramore neighborhood, the stadium follows the league-wide trend of being located within walking distance to downtown amenities. Along with the existing bars and restaurants in downtown Orlando, fans will also have access to entertainment options that are being developed near the stadium—including a brewery/beer garden for Tubbs Brewery that is taking over a warehouse across Central Avenue from the facility.
Once inside, fans are going to be treated to modern amenities that are typically found at MLS stadiums. Most of the seating bowl will be covered by a canopy, which is designed to keep fans out of the elements and to enhance crowd noise. The stadium will also feature several club and premium areas, including the Audi Sport Club, which includes a full food menu.
To this point, fans are responding positively to the stadium. In September, Orlando City SC announced that all 18,000 season ticket packages for the stadium were sold out for 2017.
The 25,000-seat stadium is set to open in March. It will be the only brand new soccer-specific stadium to debut in the MLS next year, as Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will serve both the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United FC.
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