Thursday night's groundbreaking for MLS expansion club Orlando City SC's $110M, 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium "was another major milestone in the progression of the Lions from a third-division soccer team to Orlando's second major-league professional-sports franchise," according to a front-page piece by Paul Tenorio of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. Among the many moments of celebration for the newest MLS club, "none may have been more important than Thursday's festivities." Without a stadium, which is set to open in time for the '16 MLS season and "is being paid for with a mix of public and Orlando City funds, there would have been nothing to celebrate," as the venue "was a prerequisite for securing the rights to an MLS team." Though the league still uses several alternate venues, MLS insists that soccer-specific stadiums "play a vital role in the prosperity of a franchise." In '14, 15 of 19 MLS teams are playing in home venues "considered soccer-specific stadiums," and the Earthquakes are set to open their new stadium next season. MLS President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott: "It's so important to the fans. It creates an environment for the fans, it's an intimate place where they can go and they know it's their home. I think that's the most important thing" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 10/17). The ceremony kicked off by simulating a future gameday experience as an MLS team with thousands of fans donning purple and waving flags. The club's primary color, purple, was prominent throughout the event, as a ceremonial dig took place, featuring purple shovels and 24 tons of purple sand. In addition, fans were able to participate in the groundbreaking after the formal dig, receiving a commemorative jar containing a sampling of the purple sand. Club Owner Flavio Augusto da Silva, President & Founder Phil Rawlins, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Abbott addressed the attendees. The stadium is being designed and constructed by Populous, Barton Malow and Icon Venue Group (OCSC).
PURPLE HAZE: In Orlando, Jim Carchidi reported at the event, the "camaraderie of the fans was obvious, even through the haze from the smoke bombs they carried as they marched." Their connection to the club "resonated with every chant that followed remarks" by Rawlins and da Silva. Carchidi: "It's a business to be sure, but Orlando City has also connected with its home city" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/17).
LOOKING ABROAD: SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL’s Muret & Thomas report the club is “marketing naming rights for its new stadium internationally through strong ties in Brazil” via da Silva and newly signed designated player Kaka. Orlando City VP/Communications Lenny Santiago noted that Brazil “happens to be the top country outside the U.S. for tourism in Orlando.” As a result, the club, “which is selling naming rights in-house, has zeroed in on Brazil as well as the United States to find the right partner. Orlando City VP/Corporate Partnerships Rob Parker said that the U.K. “also is in the mix,” but “on a secondary level.” The club has had “multiple discussions with three to four potential partners across aviation, banking, technology and consumer products.” Orlando City is “seeking a 10-year term” for naming rights (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/13 issue).
