MLS expansion club Orlando City SC "has sold more than 40,000 tickets" for its March 8 season-opening match against fellow expansion team NYC FC, according to Paul Tenorio of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. Orlando City Owner & President Phil Rawlins said that the 40,000 figure "includes tickets reserved for season tickets and group sales that have not yet been purchased, but are expected to be sold in the coming weeks." The lower bowl and plaza level of the Citrus Bowl are "nearly sold out, and the club has now opened portions of the upper sections for sales" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 2/14).
MARKET ENTRY STRATEGY: In Orlando, Mike Bianchi wrote Orlando City's entry into MLS "is going to be an issue for the Magic, who for nearly three decades have had exclusive rights to Central Florida's professional sports marketplace." Even though the Magic "have been extremely gracious in welcoming Orlando City into town, they must be feeling at least a little neglected right now." If the MLS club is "a contender and Central Florida has MLS playoff fever, it could certainly have an adverse effect on the Magic's already fragile fan base." The Magic "are going through a painful and prolonged rebuilding effort with no end in sight while the Lions are ready to win and win now." Bianchi: "I don't think there's any question the Lions are going to be an instant hit in this city -- and the Magic's woes will certainly play a part in it" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 2/15).
