The new Orlando City SC stadium is taking shape, as sod installation is among the latest developments to unfold during construction process.
Crews have begun rolling out sod for the new stadium, which is set to open in March. The process of putting the playing surface into began on Tuesday, and should be completed this week, according to project officials. More from WFTV.com:
Grass at Orlando City Soccer Club’s new stadium started going in Tuesday and should be done by Wednesday, a spokesman for Precision Turf told Channel 9.
The sod was cut Monday and arrived at the stadium in Orlando early Tuesday.
Certainly having the grass in place gives the stadium a more finished look as its opening approaches. The MLS has confirmed that the league’s first game at the stadium will take place on March 5, when Orlando City SC faces off against New York City FC.
The excitement level among the fans should be high for that game, and one key feature at the stadium should amplify the atmosphere. Work is continuing on the new stadium’s safe standing section. While safe standing sections for supporters have been seen in other stadiums around the globe, the MLS recently noted on its website that Orlando City’s will be the first of its kind in the league.
These developments follow some key milestones for the project that have already taken place. Orlando City SC announced in September that it had sold out its season ticket stock for the 2017 season. In early November, the first of the stadium’s numerous purple seats were installed as part of a project that was running on an eight-week schedule.
When it opens, the stadium will host Orlando City SC, as well the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, and the USL’s Orlando City B.